Study and practice nonviolence
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) affirms that nonviolence is both a way of life and a tactical method for followers of Jesus. The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program helps people explore nonviolent living, learn about nonviolent tactics and strategies and identify opportunities for engagement in nonviolent actions.
- Principles of nonviolence
- Spiritual and theological foundations of nonviolence
- Nonviolence training and education
- Putting nonviolence into practice
- Worship and liturgical materials
Principles of nonviolence
- Six Principles of Nonviolence by Martin Luther King Jr.
Spiritual and theological foundations of nonviolence
- Christian Obedience in a Nuclear Age
200th General Assembly (1988) - Blessed Are the Meek: The Roots of Christian Nonviolence
- My Pilgrimage to Nonviolence by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Non-violence: The Greatest Force by M.K. Gandhi
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute
- Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution by Andre Trocmé
Nonviolence training and education
History of nonviolence
A Force More Powerful
Learn about the history of, and the possibilities for, nonviolent action through films, books and more.
Groups providing training and Education
- Center for Nonviolent Communication
- Eastern Mennonite University Conflict Transformation Program
- Institute for Peace and Justice
- The King Center
- Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center
- Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
- M.K. Ghandi Institute for Nonviolence
- Pace e Bene
- Pax Christi
PC(USA) Study guides
Peacemaking Among the Early Followers of Jesus
This adult study introduces the witness to peace and nonviolence found in the New Testament and the writings of the Church Fathers. It is a two-session study that can be easily extended to four or more sessions.
Steps Along the Way: Living as Peacemakers in a Violent World
This eight-session study for adults, written by by Arch Taylor and Jan Arnow, explores a variety of issues of violence and steps peacemakers who seek to follow Jesus might take. Bullying, domestic violence, restorative justice, hate crimes and militarism are among the topics considered.
Order from the Church Store, PDS #7027003011; free plus shipping and handling.
Peacemaking in a Violent World
This five-session study for adults by Vera K. White looks at reality of violence and the nonviolent alternatives available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Order from the Church Store, PDS #7035095289; free plus shipping and handling.
Putting nonviolence into practice
- Presbyterian Peace Fellowship
- Fellowship of Reconciliation
- 40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community
Accompaniment programs
- PC(USA) Columbia Accompaniment Program
- Christian Peacemaker Teams
- Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel
- Nonviolent Peaceforce
Bullying
Bullying in the Classroom
By Martha Bettis Gee. This one-session study for adults addresses a public health issue that can have long-lasting effects for both the bully and the victim. The study resents the facts about this pervasive problem and suggests proactive responses Christians can take.
The Real Consequences of Bullying
By Megan Pillow Davis. “Sticks and stones may break my bones,” but words can also hurt and have lasting consequences. Bullying is pervasive in our schools, and all of us need to do something about it. This one-session study invites participants to share instances where they have witnessed bullying, as either the bully, the bullied, or the bystander. Bullying is defined, the myths and facts are discussed, and possible action steps are considered.
Bullying: Sticks, Stones, E-mails, and Texts
By Martha Bettis Gee. Bullying is a pervasive problem with detrimental effects and it is a problem that parents should feel compelled to address. This study offers some facts about bullying and suggestions for what to do if you’re raising teens.
Children and Violent Video Games
Children and Violent Video Games
This free booklet developed by the Office of Child Advocacy alerts parents and others who care about children to the harmful effects of violent video game content on children and youth. Includes helpful information on the ratings system as well as guidelines and tips for choosing games, setting limits, and advocating to keep M-rated games out of the hands of children.
Children and Video Games: What's the Problem?
By Alexa Smith. This one-session study for adults presents an introduction to the world of video games and provides information for those who want to learn more or for those wanting to join efforts to control access and irresponsible content.
Nonviolence and Creation
Questions of War and Peace
- Christian Peace Witness for Iraq
- Ain't Gonna Study War No More: Biblical Ambiguity and the Abolition of War by Albert C. Winn, former moderator of the General Assembly.
Tax Resistance
Worship and liturgical materials
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Earth Day Sunday
- Hiroshima Day (Aug. 6)
- International Day of Peace (Sept. 21)
- United Nations Day (Oct. 24)
- Human Rights Day (Dec. 10)
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Comments
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I have been bullied for over one year now. Rumors and lies follow me at church but I will not leave. I believe God put me there for a reason and despite everything, I love my church. I know who is behind the bullying and yes, it hurts. It is painful and leaves its own kind of scars, but I am strong. The bullying consists of sending out emails that are filthy...spoofing my address so that church members actually believe I did this. My friends are being targeted and I am being isolated. It is okay. I serve a God who sees and hears. I trust He will use this for good.