Mission Update

A PUBLICATION OF THE WOMEN'S DIVISION, VOL. #8* ISSUE #4* November/December 2002

A Call to Peacemaking

Following are excerpts from Women’s Division Deputy General Secretary Joyce D. Sohl’s message to division directors at their October meeting:

"...Peace is not an existence without tension, conflict, suffering or pain....Peace can turn conflict and turmoil into a creative means of change. But too often we don’t accept Jesus’ gift of peace....Peace is a learned process brought about by prayer, spiritual disciplines, self-knowledge and understanding, and developing a deep and abiding relationship with God.

"Let’s put the concept of the gift of peace with the concept of justice. This creates...a cycle that starts with the gift of peace, moves to the work of justice, and in turn, creates peace in the world....Peacemaking is the justice work that God calls us to do.

"The Women’s Division has been involved in peacemaking for the last 135 years, for we started with a purpose of meeting the physical and spiritual needs of women and children, and we continue to do that. We also have been concerned about the issues of war, civil unrest and the violation of human rights....We are once again attempting to speak and stand against the current push for war against Iraq....

"Jesus said: ‘My peace I leave with you. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.’ Let us accept Jesus’ gift of peace. Let us continue to be daring peacemakers. Let us claim God’s promise of shalom for God’s world."

Joyce D. Sohl, Deputy General Secretary, Women's Division

Women's Division Endorses Peace, Approves 2003 Budget Cote d'Ivoire Women Observe Women's Division Meeting
2003 Theressa Hoover Award Recipient Named Women's Division Opposes U.S. Strike Against Iraq

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Editor:  kmartini@gbgm-umc.org