New Peace Packet Focuses on Call For Peace in Colombia

Mennonite Central Committee
Wednesday, 5 September 2001

WINNIPEG, Man. -- The 2001 Peace Sunday packet invites Canadian Mennonite and Brethren in Christ congregations to join in a faithful, prayerful act of solidarity with churches in Colombia.

At Such a Time as This: Anabaptists in Colombia and Canada Respond to God's Call for Peace in Colombia is designed to be used in congregations on or around November 11. It was prepared by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Ontario.

The Peace Sunday packet focuses on the Anabaptist-Mennonite churches in Colombia and their struggle to witness to God's peace in a violent society. It invites Canadian churches to join Colombian sisters and brothers in that struggle.

The packet includes:

* worship materials including prayers, litanies, sermon notes and an order of worship,

* stories and information about Colombia and Colombians,

* suggestions for further learning and action,

* a special prayer initiative called "Prayers of the Faithful" linking Canadian and Colombian Mennonites in prayer,

* a one-week devotional guide, and

* a special bulletin cover.

This year's Peace Sunday theme was sparked by the Mennonite Church in Colombia. In a July 2000 letter, church leaders called upon Christians in Canada and the U.S. to denounce the deadly violence tearing apart Colombia, and help the church there nurture peace.

The request came in the wake of the U.S. government's $1.3 billion (U.S.) in funding that primarily provides military support for the Colombian army.

"We ask you for support to transform this vicious cycle of death and destruction that military aid produces into a virtuous cycle of abundant life and peace," wrote Ricardo Esquivia Ballestas and Peter Stucky, Mennonite church leaders in Colombia.

At Such a Time as This is also timely in light of a resolution passed by Mennonite Church Canada's delegate body in July 2001 committing member congregations to find ways to learn about Colombia and to pray for Mennonite sisters and brothers in Colombia.

The Peace Sunday packets will be sent to most Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada.

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org