Greetings, Peacemakers! In the waning days of 2009, archeologists have announced the excavation of the first dwelling in Nazareth that can be dated to the time of Jesus. That dig uncovered the remains of a house in a hamlet of roughly fifty impoverished Jewish families – a house where friends or relatives of the child Jesus may have lived. Workers uncovered walls, a cistern, a courtyard and, tellingly, a camouflaged grotto. In that grotto, six Jewish partisans could have hidden from Roman occupying troops who were engaged in a violent struggle for control over the Nazareth area. The child Jesus, as well as the other children of that village, would have been familiar with an atmosphere of fear, dread and violence where a thoughtless word could endanger many lives, perhaps even those of an entire village.
The Episcopal Peace Fellowship has served that child Jesus – the one who would later call us to be peacemakers – since we began our work in 1939. That Child lives on today in Haiti where systemic violence is being addressed by EPF’s nonviolence training programs. He lives in Iraq and Afghanistan in the midst of wars that EPF is opposing as morally unjustifiable. The Child lives on a Native American communities in northern Minnesota where EPF is assisting Native American clergy with nonviolence training programs. The Child lives in the families and parishes of The Episcopal Church, where Peace Partner Congregations are using EPF resources to nurture a new generation of peacemakers.
In 2010, the Episcopal Peace Fellowship needs you to be part of this work. With the inflation of troop levels in Afghanistan, the ongoing war in Iraq, and a world culture increasingly dominated by violence, it is clear that the need for peacemakers is critical. Consider contributing your time and energies by serving on one of EPF’s committees, action groups, or in your local chapter. Or make a financial contribution to support the overall work of EPF. You can also be in touch with Jackie Lynn, our Executive Director, at epfnational@ameritech.net if you have any questions regarding how you might support the work of EPF.
The Gift of God – that Child – is asking us to reach out with healing hands to a world bent on violence and revenge. May God’s peace be with you in 2010.
Linda Gaither
Chair of the National Executive Council, EPF
