Peacemaking and advocacy work can be lonely work.
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is hosting its first ever “Shalom Conference” on September 24-25 at the Hartman Center (a UCC camp, conference, and retreat facility) in Milroy, PA. The Council’s goal is to launch a statewide network of peacemakers that will promote communication and sharing to make peacemaking less lonely.
Our theme, “Creating a Culture of Peace,” focuses on shalom—a holistic sense of peace that seeks wholeness and wellness for all of creation. This broad understanding of peace suggests that a broad representation of organizations and individuals is necessary to ensure that our vision for peace is more than the absence of war. Organizations and peacemakers that focus on a range of issues, including, but not limited to, domestic violence, systemic racism, drone warfare, environmental justice, torture, gun violence, and interfaith understanding, will all be invited to participate in this exciting conference. The conference will consist of panel discussions, large group gatherings, two engaging speakers and numerous opportunities for people to network with one another. Watch for an agenda coming soon.
Please join us and hear from two prophetic voices in the peacemaking community:
Saturday evening: Shane Claiborne is a Christian activist, author, speaker and a founding member of the Simple Way Community in Philadelphia. Among his many books are The Irresistable Revolution, Jesus for President, and his most recent book (released in June 2016) Executing Grace. His message of peace is one that he spreads well to audiences all across the world. We are excited to have Shane joining us!
Sunday afternoon: Saadia Ahmad, current McCormack Scholar and Master’s student in Conflict Resolution at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She is especially interested in addressing religious conflict and interfaith dialogue. Her writings have appeared in the Boston Globe, Huffington Post and other media outlets. Saadia’s message of the need for community in interfaith peacemaking is timely and much needed.
Registration Fee: $100. This includes all costs (conference related costs, lodging, and food. (NOTE: You will need to bring your own bedding and towels.); partial rates available for Saturday evening, Sunday afternoon, or both.
We are also pleased to announce our panels for Sunday morning, along with speakers confirmed to date. You will have the opportunity to choose and attend your top two preferences, as the panels will each be repeated during the two scheduled times (9:45-11:00 am and 11:15 am-12:30 pm).
You can also check out our working agenda here.
Download a bulletin insert.
As noted, it is our hope that this conference will launch a statewide network of peacemakers that serves as a resource and inspiration for all organizations and individuals who engage in peacemaking work in Pennsylvania and beyond. We are stronger when we work together!
Please join us at the Hartman Center on September 24-25. Register online or download registration form!