ELKHART, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network) — Christ exemplified living a life of non-violence, and Christians are called to follow his example as they serve others in their local communities and across the globe. Because of this, peacemaking is interwoven into all parts of Mennonite Mission Network’s vision and ministries.
As part of their peace witness, Mission Network has launched "Stir Up Peace," a nine-episode educational video mini-series that details how nonviolent direct action can be applied to create change. The project is a collaboration between Mission Network and husband-and-wife team Jonathan and Sarah Nahar with the aim of empowering congregations and individuals to address social problems nonviolently. The Nahars have many years of experience working peacemaking experience in peacemaking work. They currently live in Syracuse, New York, where Sarah is working on her doctorate and Jonathan works in Palestinian advocacy and with the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition. They are expecting their first child.
Nonviolent direct action is a strategic response to violence, racism, oppression and injustice. These creative tactics reject physical force and the threat of violence, in order to achieve collective goals. The series, which includes curriculum and guidance for group discussion, is free to use for all individuals, congregations and groups.
"Nonviolent direct action is an important way for Christians to respond to the world around them," Johnathan Nahar said.
Each of the nine episodes touches on a different aspect of what nonviolent direction action looks like and how it can be applied. For example, Episode 1 references Martin Luther King Jr., who reminded us that patience is necessary in that "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
"We believe that participating in nonviolent direct action is a faithful way of following Jesus," Sarah Nahar said in the episode.
Explore the "Stir Up Peace" video series on MennoniteMission.net.
Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, exists to lead, mobilize, and equip the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in the world. Mission Network envisions every congregation and all parts of the church being fully engaged in mission — across the street, all through the marketplace and around the world.
Media Contact: Wil LaVeist, senior executive for advancement, Mennonite Mission Network, WilL@MennoniteMission.net, +1 (574) 523-3077
