Americans called to peace

Jim Eaton of Washington, D.C., is one of two new co-coordinators of the USA region of the Peace and Reconciliation Network, an initiative of the World Evangelical Alliance.

The U.S. is “a nation gripped by violence, struggling to feel, to understand, to see a way forward. Our national wounds seem to be forever raw, the scabs ripped away yet again, leaving us acutely polarized,” wrote Jim Eaton shortly after the murders of refugee Iryna Zarutska, politicians Melissa and Mark Hortman, and activist Charlie Kirk.

Eaton, based in Washington, D.C., is one of two new co-coordinators of the USA region of the Peace and Reconciliation Network, an initiative of the World Evangelical Alliance.

“We often feel like we only have two choices before us: pick a side and point fingers. Proclaim the justice of our side and the evil of the other.” Eaton called for an alternative, a return to “imago Dei, the sacredness of all humankind.

“In the face of increasingly perilous times, when fear and distrust rise, we the followers of Jesus must humble ourselves and commit to a singular calling of peacemaking. Jesus’ way doesn’t fit neatly into red or blue, right or left.

“This is a fearsome time, but an opportune one,” he wrote. “It is a moment to forsake our lesser ambitions and recommit to the Kingdom call of Jesus.”

Photo shows PRN USA co-coordinator Jim Eaton (centre) and global director Phil Wagler of Kelowna, B.C., (right) meeting with staff of the National Association of Evangelicals. The other co-coordinator of PRN USA is Saji Oomen of Lynden, Wash. Photo: Phil Wagler.  The World Evangelical Alliance Peace & Reconciliation Network does its work through the generosity of donors. Connect with the PRN or donate. Invite Joel Zantingh of Guelph, Ont., or global PRN director Phil Wagler of Kelowna, B.C., as a speaker. Read more of these blog posts at FaithToday.ca/AllThingsReconciled.