Peacemaking
Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI) is an invitation for congregations and districts to take a topic of concern and confront it, reflect on it, learn about it, respond to it, comment on it take action—each in their own way. A CSAI is NOT a statement—it is a question. The original text is intended to frame the issue and a statement is developed over four years scheduled to be voted on at the 2006 General Assembly (GA).
The Study/Action Issue adopted at the 2006 General Assembly started with the question: "...should the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) reject the use of any and all kinds of violence and war...and adopt a principle of seeking just peace through nonviolent means."
Although some interpreted this as a call for debate between just war and pacifist perspectives, the Peacemaking CSAI Core Team believes that the heart of peacemaking is seeking to find solutions that encompass all truths, rather than creating a competitive battle between two positions.
Therefore, the Core Team is following the spirit of the rest of the text of the SAI in inviting congregations to engage in a full exploration of violence and peacemaking on all levels. Physical, psychological, and institutionalized violence permeate many aspects of our lives. The process of disengaging from all forms of violence is no simple matter. But both just war advocates and pacifists would agree that we need to work with all possible speed to reduce violence and war throughout the world.
The Core Team is currently raising funds for a new DVD about Unitarian Universalist (UU) Peacemaking. Order forms are available now.
The UU Peacemaking Teleconference Series-New
We are hosting Teleseminars with UU Leaders on Peacemaking. Each new event occurs bi-weekly. Hear from Unitarian Universalism's greatest minds about the role of faith in peacework. Sixth session with Hal Bertilson (mp3) on peace psychology is now available.
Educational Materials: Find New Ways to Get Your Congregation Involved
Thanks to the hard work of John Schaibly of San Diego, we have a monthly newsletter on Unitarian Universalist (UU) Peacemaking. For information on how to get on the distribution list, please contact peacemaking @ uua.org.
- "Peacemaking" (PDF, 2 pages) Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI) as passed by the 2006 GA.
- CSAI "Peacemaking" Resource Guide (PDF, 32 pages)
- New! DVD- "Peacemaking: A Commitment to Study and Action". Order Here Now!
- Is your congregation ready to make the pledge to peace? Please read our Peacemaking Pledge to found out how.
- Peacemaking Success Stories—Learn Best Practices from congregations from all over the United States.
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The Peacemaking Core Team
The Peacemaking Core Team has been created to assist in guiding implementation of the Peacemaking CSAI. It is made up of volunteers and representatives of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office and UU Service Committee and reports to the Commission on Social Witness. Here you will find materials and information to help you and your congregation in your study and action on this issue.Check back frequently for the latest in Peacemaking CSAI resources!
A Call for Volunteers
For a better idea of how to volunteer, please see our Volunteer Form (Word) (PDF, 1 page)
The Core Team is currently raising funds for a new DVD about UU Peacemaking. If you want to order a copy, please download our order form. Donations can be accepted at The UUA's Giving and Generosity Page.
Email Distribution Lists
An email list is available for those who would like to be part of a network
of UUs interested in or already helping to implement the Peacemaking CSAI. New
ideas and suggestions are made and discussed, and are later brought to
committees of activists currently making suggestions for the CSAI process.
Subscribe to
the Peacemaking-Network.
A new email list is now also available for people who only want to receive
announcements about national actions and deadlines.
Subscribe to the
Peacemaking-News Email List.
Peacemaking Educational Materials
- Peacemakers Book Discussion Program 2007-2008 (Word) (PDF, 2 pages)
- Teleseminars with UU Theologians on Peacemaking.
- Peacemaking in Congregations: A Guide to Learning Opportunities for All Ages (Word) (PDF, 62 pages)
- UU Compassionate Communications Website
Small Group Ministry Study Materials
- Introductory Workshop (Word) (PDF, 5 pages)
- Small Group Session Plans and Tips for Facilitators:
- Session 1: Peacemaking Concepts and Definitions: An Introduction (Word) (PDF, 2 pages)
- Session 2A: Interpersonal Peacemaking—Interpersonal Peace (Word) (PDF, 1 page)
- Session 2B: Interpersonal Peacemaking—The Peace of Forgiveness (Word) (PDF, 1 page)
- Session 2C: (Word) (PDF, 1 page)
- Session 3: Building a Culture of Peace (Word) (PDF, 2 pages)
- Session 4: The Many Faces of Violence (Structural Violence) (Word) (PDF, 1 page)
- Session 5A: Building Peace Globally (PDF, 5 pages)
- Session 5B: Just War (PDF, 4 pages)
- Session 5C: Nonviolence (PDF, 3 pages)
- Session 6: Just War and Pacifism in our Lives (PDF, 8 pages)
For more information contact socialwitness @ uua.org.
Last updated on Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
