Expand Christian Peacemaker Teams II
by Jeni Hiett Umble, Indianapolis
Ron Sider asks top Mennonite leadership to lead an expansion of Christian Peacemaker Teams (Oct. 7). But his article outlines why relying on church leadership will not work. CPT got its start due to a “small group of peace activists who were largely at the margins of the Mennonite world.” Sider does not indicate what may have changed in the intervening years.
In fact, he gives an example of why Mennonite and CPT leaders are not good partners in such an expansion. He asserts that “some of [CPT’s] actions demonstrate a clear pro-gay stand,” then adds, “this would have to change” to make CPT “more friendly to the center of the Mennonite church.” I beg to differ.
It’s reasonable that those who volunteer to witness for peace are not inclined to use sexual orientation as a reason to exclude potential participants. As they put their lives on the line, CPT members need to know their group members are committed to sharing the love of Jesus through nonviolent witness. Other considerations are secondary.
Playing to the center of the church and the divisive membership issues that continue to exclude faithful Christians from fully participating in local congregations and churchwide ministries can only dilute CPT. If Mennonite leaders choose to work with CPT to expand its witness, they should leave the selection of participants and the management of the teams to the CPT leaders who have already proven they have the courage, vision and commitment to place faithful peace witnesses into areas of conflict.
Associated Issue: Expand CPT - Oct. 7, 2008
Associated Article: Expand CPT
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