Many Christians have become increasingly sensitive to the destructiveness of war. They are recognizing war’s limited ability as a public policy instrument. They are acknowleding the social, economic, and spiritual consequences of preparing to wage war. These concerns have begun to revive the conscience of the church in new ways.
This text contends that peacemaking is essential to Christian discipleship. It is the vocation of the church as a whole. Moving beyond the traditional debate around “pacifism,” This statement seeks dialogue concerning a renewed vision of the entire purpose of God in the world.
In A Declaration on Peace, Brethren, Friends, Mennonites, and the Fellowship of Reconciliation seek conversation with Christians everywhere on peace, war, militarism, and justice. The book offers an ecumenical dialogue on the morality of war grounded in a biblical vision common to all Christian communions.
Herald Press and John Howard Yoder
John Howard Yoder (1927–97) taught ethics and theology as a professor at Notre Dame University and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and was perhaps the most well-known Mennonite theologian in the twentieth century. Widely sought around the world as a theological educator, ethicist, and interpreter of biblical pacifism, he is best known for his study on The Politics of Jesus. Yoder is also remembered for his long-term sexual harassment and abuse of women.
Click here for more on Herald Press and John Howard Yoder. Eugene F. Roop is president of Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Indiana, and Wieand Professor of Biblical Studies there. He has served as a pastor in the Church of the Brethren and is author of several books, including Ruth, Jonah, Esther in the Believers Church Bible Commentary Series.
Douglas Gwyn teaches at Pendle Hill (Wallingford, Pa.). He holds an M.Div. and S.T.M. from Union Theological Seminary (New York) and a Ph.D. from Drew University. His published works include Apocalypse of the Word: The Life and Message of George Fox (Richmond, Ind.: Friends United Press, 1986) and numerous articles in Quaker Religious Thought.
George Hunsinger is associate professor of Theology at Bangor Theological Seminary (Maine). He holds an M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. from Yale University. His broad experience as a lecturer includes presenting, in Geneva, Switzerland, The Church's Mission in the Nuclear Age, a paper commissioned by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.
