"When it comes to peacemaking there is a danger that all we ever do is talk about it!" warns Rev Doug Baker, convener of the Presbyterian Church's Peace and Peacemaking Committee who this weekend hold their autumn conference at Waringstown Presbyterian Church on Saturday 15 November beginning at 10.00am and finishing about 1.00pm.
"The conference will be strongly focusing on doing something about peacemaking rather than just talking about it," says Doug Baker. "The Bible tells us to be doers of the word, not hearers only. Also our own Presbyterian peace vocation calls us to be initiators of programmes of action which will contribute to peace in our community. When it comes to peacemaking there is a danger that all we ever do is talk about it until, as we say, the cows come home! Consequently the theme for this year's conference is 'After the Cows Come Home.'"
Peace agents and representatives from congregations around Ireland will begin the conference with worship led by Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan McKay. This will be followed by an opportunity to hear 'Personal Stories of Engagement' from Presbyterians directly involved in peacemaking through District Policing Partnerships, monitoring interfaces and addressing local community tensions.
Also, David Smith, Programme Officer of 'Preparing Youth for Peace' will update the conference on the practical action that this initiative of the Youth Board is generating through younger members of the Presbyterian Church.
Keynote speaker will be Mr Trevor Ringland, co-chair of the 'One Small Step Campaign' and a member of Knock Presbyterian Church who will share his experience of involvement in various peace initiatives talking about 'Engaging for Peace' and trying to answer questions including 'Is it worth the hassle?' and 'Can I make a difference.'
"The task we must continually address is how we actually respond to the changing challenges and opportunities facing us now," says Doug Baker, "and the final session of the conference 'Practical Action Anyone Can Take',I hope, will leave delegates with ideas that they can begin to implement in their own situations."
A number of places on the conference are still available and can be booked by phoning Doug Baker on 028 9065 2487(H) or 028 9077 0061(W) or by email at dbaker@presbyterianireland.org
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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