By Geri Norman 
Justice and Peace Action Team 
Central Mission Center  

The Justice and Peace Action Team of Greater Kansas City, Missouri, USA was formed as a tangible response to counsel given to Community of Christ.  

Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.  

The Enduring Principles and Mission Initiatives of Community of Christ provide the foundation and framework that invite and encourage disciples to become engaged in compassionate ministry and action in pursuit of God’s Shalom on and for the Earth. The role of JPAT is to provide information regarding justice and peace educational opportunities and to promote and sponsor social justice activities, events, and community dialogue scheduled throughout the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.   

In 2023 we lobbied in Jefferson City with Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty, partnered with Stirred to Action, hosted a Lunch and Learn at Community of Christ World Conference, helped organize the KC PrideFest booth, and hosted a book study on Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer.   

In November, the team issued an invitation to a screening and panel discussion of “Common Ground.” The movie explores how many of the problems that ail humans–from cancer to climate change–might be connected to the state of the world’s soil. Independent farmers that have changed techniques to match methods used by indigenous populations in centuries past demonstrate how these can potentially save the planet.  

A new book study is anticipated in 2024. 

To find JPAT events, go to JPATKC.org or write .