Peace
with Justice Ministries within the Nebraska Annual Conference of The United
Methodist Church began in 1983. The main focus of witness for the first several
years began as: to engage Christians in learning more about biblical foundations
for peacemaking and relating that to the nuclear arms race between the US and
the USSR.
Since
then, PJM has addressed such issues as:
- militarism
- environmental concerns
- racial justice
- the systemic causes of hunger
- economic disparities
- the role of the US in developing countries
- socially responsible investing
- and simplified living
Much
education has taken place on the difference between doing acts of mercy or charity
and doing acts of justice. Mercy includes providing direct services such as
donating food to a food pantry, giving money to a cherity or helping with your
church's local mission trip. Acts of justice include helping educate .
The
Director of Peace with Justice Ministries is Rev. Carol Windrum. Carol has been
with PJM since its inception and is appointed by the Bishop to do this work
on behalf of and with the Nebraska Conference. Hundreds of Nebraska United Methodists
representing dozens of local churches in all eight districts make PJM a strong
voice for peace in their communities and the world by participating in Voices
to the Capitol and by being Peace Advocates.
The
mission of PJM is:
- ground Christians in biblical foundations for sholom
- inform the faithfull about current social justice concerns
- create a climat of carring diolog on complex issues
- activate believers to persue justice in their homes, communities, our nation and world
- motivate Nebraska United Methodist Christians to live out the annual conference mission statement, which includes: become advocates of justice ministries among the vulnerable and marginalized victims of oppressive structures and systems
honor Gods gifts by modeling a lifestyle that exemplifies personal stewardship of time, talents, and money and mutual care for the earth and its environment