Peace Centers: A Bishop's Vision

Conflicts, though inevitable, can be a gift from God. The congregation can be a place where conflicts are transformed into positive relationships.

I have a deepening conviction that some United Methodist congregations are intended to be places of conflict transformation/peace restoration. My vision is that at least one percent of all United Methodist churches worldwide will self-consciously prepare to be, and declare themselves to be, such a place in their communities.

My vision is that people engaged in relational conflict or suffering the aftermath of conflict will call or visit their local United Methodist church, because it has gained the reputation of being a place where peace of mind and heart is restored. The signboard of such congregations will read: "Neighborhood Peace Center — a place of new beginnings." My hope is that people will contact the Peace Center Church rather than hiring a lawyer, shouting at a neighbor, hitting a child, reaching for a weapon, or sinking into depression.

Two objects have entered my life in the past 20 years — the peace pole and anointing oil. Throughout my episcopal area, peace poles have been placed outside church buildings and homes of believers. They declare a welcome to all and an intention to be fellowship zones of peace in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Anointing oil has had increased use at bedsides and healing services. People have sought new beginnings with God's blessing. Pastors have anointed as a sign of God's action in making all things new.

The pole and oil are the signs of the desire for relationships that are whole and holy — with God, self, and others, especially with people encountered daily in homes, neighborhoods, and towns of every size and kind.

Some communities have "Dispute Settlement Centers" that provide services such as mediation, training, and education. They often handle referrals from the legal system. Church leaders can, do, and should use them as appropriate referrals. However, my vision is the product of God's call to us to bring justice and peace together. That faith-focused vision means a far different foundational and operating methodology than the non-faith-based organization.

The preparation to be a Peace Center will be considerable. Conviction of the need and claiming it as our mission is essential. Skilled, trained, committed, gifted leadership is central.

We use the word peace to describe our best intentions for life within our families, congregations, communities, the nation, and the world. Nevertheless, unease prevails. Nearly always, people turn for help to society's systems and methods rather than to the church to resolve conflict. There is another, better way than litigation and retribution.

Our God, faith, Scriptures, tradition, and United Methodist congregations give us another way — a way that leads to reconciliation and life restored. I hope that at least one percent of our congregations will become a sign of this other way— God's way— by preparing, then living as a Neighborhood Peace Center.

Bishop Donald A. Ott is a board member for JustPeace. He first shared this vision in March 2001. He is coordinator of the council of Bishops' Initiative on Children and Poverty. He has served as Episcopal leader in the Michigan area.