Peace and Justice Ministries

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We are Called to...

Listen to the Words of Counsel:
Selections from Doctrine & Covenants 163

3 a. You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be
relationally and culturally incarnate. The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of
Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness.

b. Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of
God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are
contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.

c. There are subtle, yet powerful, influences in the world, some even claiming to
represent Christ, that seek to divide people and nations to accomplish their
destructive aims. That which seeks to harden one human heart against another by
constructing walls of fear and prejudice is not of God. Be especially alert to these
influences, lest they divide you or divert you from the mission to which you are
called.

4 a. God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased
of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s
will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who
desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For
in their welfare resides your welfare.

b. The earth, lovingly created as an environment for life to flourish, shudders in
distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from
carrying the burden of human greed and conflict. Humankind must awaken from its
illusion of independence and unrestrained consumption without lasting
consequences.

Embody justice and proclaim peace.
Find ways to help the poor.

The best way to help others improve their lives is by helping them find ways to solve
their own problems. Outreach International has successfully used this approach with
Participatory Human Development (PHD) programs. This strategy can be used in your
community to help the poor or underprivileged lead more abundant lives.

And the Lord called his people, Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in
justice and peace; and there were no poor among them.—Genesis 7:23 Inspired Version

Support neighborhood transformation and justice projects.

As you live your life in a Christ-centered worshiping, covenanting, and fellowshipping
community, you see the world through spiritual eyes—aware of the inequality and
injustice experienced by others who may live in your neighborhood. Informed by the
prophetic tradition found within our three books of scripture, it is natural for you to
seek ways to express the worth of all persons and the sacredness of all creation as
you partner with others in neighborhood transformation and justice projects.
Discover ways you and your congregation can have a “Temple vision” that pursues
peace, challenges injustice, and facilitates reconciliation and healing of the spirit of
all.

Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet
extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.
Fulfill the purposes of the Temple by making its ministries manifest in your hearts.
—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a, b.

Seek peaceful solutions.

With your brothers and sisters in Christ from many races, nations, and cultures, seek
together the good of all. Embraced by Christ’s love, follow him, take up the cross, and
work to end economic injustice, racism, and violent conflict. The gifts of peace,
justice, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit are for people living in all nations.
These gifts are human rights given by God, who loves all people. Peaceful solutions
include finding ways to live simply so the earth's environment might be passed on and
entrusted to our children and grandchildren.

And blessed are all the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.
—Matthew 5:11 Inspired Version

Create Diverse Communities.
Strengthen family relationships.

As Christ’s disciple, you are called to strengthen family ties through mutual respect
and the building of healthy relationships. Support is available through church and
other good resources to empower your family to tackle any difficulties with courage,
love, and skill. Families in all their diverse forms are the foundation for strong
communities.

Family ministry includes helping parents bring up children with faith in God, healthy
values, and a strong sense of self-worth so that when they have families of their own
they can form long-lasting, happy relationships and develop disciples for Jesus Christ.

Do not neglect the smallest among you, for even the least of these are treasures in God’s sight.
Receive the giftedness and energy of children and youth, listening to understand their questions and
their wisdom. Respond to their need to be loved and nurtured as they grow. Be mindful of the
changing of life’s seasons, of the passage from the springtime of childhood and youth to the winter
years of life. Embrace the blessing of your many differences. Be tender and caring. Be reminded
once again that the gifts of all are necessary in order that divine purposes may be accomplished.
—Doctrine and Covenants 161:4a, b

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