Mimetic desire—the urge to covet what others have—fuels violence across Africa, from Rwanda’s genocide to Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ laws. René Girard’s theory reveals how peace built on scapegoating, such as targeting the LGBTQ community, is inherently violent (Girard, 2001). In African spirituality, all are equal under the sun (Mbiti, 1990), yet colonial legacies entrenched division, making… Read more »
Blog
“US & Iran: An Eye for an Eye and We Are All Blind” by Ray Schellinger
The whole world is on pause at the moment, it seems, waiting to see what will come of the escalating conflict between Iran and the US. Now is the time to pray- for peace- for true peace, which we have not known, for cooler heads to prevail, for our leaders to recognize that there are… Read more »
“Report about Cali Conference” by Lance Muteyo
The 5th Global Baptist Peace Conference was held in Cali, Colombia July 15-20, 2019. The previous one was held in Rome, Italy in 2009. A number of our Global Peace Warriors team were there, and some will share some of their thoughts and reflections. Here is from Lance Muteyo (to learn more about Lance Muteyo,… Read more »
“Letter to Undocumented Immigrants” by Ray Schellinger
I am writing this letter to the undocumented immigrants working and living in the US. Very few of you will ever see this on FB, and so I humbly ask my friends to share this message with you as far and wide as possible. I know that many of you have faced incredibly difficult circumstances… Read more »
“What Have We Become?” by Ray Schellinger
Over the last 6 months I have met hundreds of migrants fleeing the violence, abuse and hopelessness in Central America. I have met with them as a pastor and friend, eager to give them a sign of hope and welcome. Their stories have ripped my heart to pieces, but perhaps not as much as the… Read more »