The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) recently sent to the UN a document with its proposals for the UN’s New Agenda for Peace.

The Agenda is an initiative of the UN Secretary General linked to recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to join many voices contributing to a global conversation that we pray will lead to a future of hope and peace”, says the WEA.

The document was drafted by the WEA Peace and Reconciliation Network (PRN), and “seeks to contribute to this global public good”.

“Christians must not be absent from efforts to resolve international strife, especially at a time when armed conflicts are creating unprecedented numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons”, pointed out Janet Epp Buckingham, WEA Director of Global Advocacy.

Six areas of interest

In order to achieve that, the WEA “affirms the six potential areas for the New Agenda for Peace”, which are: reducing strategic risks; strengthening international foresight to identify and adapt to new risks; reshaping responses to all forms of violence; investing in prevention and peacebuilding; supporting regional prevention; and putting women and girls at the center.

“The WEA has, from its founding, engaged in peacebuilding, because Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, called us to be peacemakers. We have engaged in conflict resolution for 175 years. I am glad the WEA can contribute to the UN’s work” , stated WEA Secretary General, Thomas Schirrmacher.

Voices of faith

The WEA statement calls for special attention to the following issues as part of the UN’s peace efforts:

• Faith community participation

• Healing from trauma

• Peacebuilding education

• Investment in peacebuilding by government and business

• Publishing good news

“We encourage the United Nations to a collaborative and wholistic approach that does not ignore voices of faith but welcomes their contribution and participation as vital for the healing of the nations”, concludes the statement.

You can read the full document here.