Mennonites speak at peace convocation

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KINGSTON, Jamaica—Two Menno­nites, Thomas Finger and Lisa Schirch, made presentations on May 23 at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Kingston.

Finger’s workshop, titled “Peace: the Lens for Re-visioning Christian Theology and Mission,” explored his views about peace, justice, salvation, sin and Jesus’ mission.

In a section titled “Not Only,” he explored classic theological assumptions. In another part called “But Also” he said, “Sin is not only the personal breaking of divine laws, but also the corporate turning away from and losing sight of God, peace and justice.”

He is a professor of church history and world religions.

In a panel discussion, Lisa Schirch, professor of peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., pointed out that governments tend to attempt to justify large-scale military action—at its worst, nuclear warfare—in the name of “security.” She called into question what security should mean to Christians.

“Jesus doesn’t use the word ‘security.’ The language of the church is much more about justice and peace than about security,” she said.

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