Seeds of Peace
Community of Christ will host the Peace Forum from 16–18 October 2026 at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA, and online. The event, themed “Seeds of Peace: Environmental Justice and Action,” builds on the legacy of the International Peace Colloquy since 1993 by fostering worship, learning, dialogue, creative expression, and community engagement. The Peace Forum also includes the presentation of the International Peace Award and Human Rights Award. All are welcome!
Registration
Grade levels are based on the participant’s grade as of October 2026.
Please review the Peace Forum Registration Agreement, Photo Release Agreement, and Peace Forum Kids Agreement.
Schedule
Updated on 21 August 2026. Schedule subject to change. Times are listed in Central Daylight Time (USA).
Friday, 16 October 2026
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Registration Open
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Wild Spirituality Retreat
This outdoor, nature-based prayer retreat invites participants to deepen their connection with God through creation.
An additional fee applies, and advance registration is required. A waitlist is currently in place, so only registered participants may attend.
Gather at 9:30 a.m. for transportation, and dress for the weather, since the retreat takes place primarily outdoors.
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Event Store, Environmental Expo, and Creative Reuse Center Open
5:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Ritual with Trudi and Kahealani
Join the participants of the Wild Spirituality Retreat for a Hawaiian ritual opening our time together.
7:00 p.m.
Opening Worship and Award Presentation
During this service, we will honor this year's award recipients: Bill McKibben receives the International Peace Award, and Randie Cross Marsh and the Munson family (Jimmy, Kathy, Jared, and Nancy) receive the Human Rights Award.
This service will be live-streamed on YouTube.
An offering will be taken to help cover event expenses. Select "2026 Peace Forum" from the Sub Fund to support the event.
8:30 p.m.
Reception with Light Dessert and Drinks
Book signing
8:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Event Store Open
Awards
International Peace Award
Bill McKibben
Bill McKibben is a contributing writer to The New Yorker and a founder of Third Act, which organizes people over the age of 60 to work on climate and racial justice. He founded the first global grassroots climate campaign, 350.org, and serves as the Schumann Distinguished Professor in Residence at Middlebury College in Vermont. In 2014, he was awarded the Right Livelihood Prize, sometimes called the "alternative Nobel," in the Swedish Parliament. He has also won the Gandhi Peace Award and honorary degrees from 19 colleges and universities. He has written more than 20 books about the environment, including his first, The End of Nature (1989); The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened; and his latest, Here Comes the Sun.
Human Rights Award
Randie Cross Marsh
Randie Cross Marsh is a dedicated human rights advocate whose lifelong commitment to justice earned her recognition from Community of Christ. After serving as Executive Director of an Ohio-based nonprofit aiding HIV-positive individuals in Kenya, she founded Hand in Hand Kenya, a Cincinnati-based 501(c)3. Since 2006, Randie has made 30 trips to Kenya, collaborating with Maisha Girls Safe House, which supports 60 girls under 19 and their babies, providing food, education, medical care, and emotional support. Her work combats the stigma of AIDS and gender-based violence, embodying a Christ-like pursuit of peace for the marginalized.
Human Rights Award
Jimmy, Kathy, Jared, and Nancy Munson
The Munson family, Jimmy, Kathy, Jared, and Nancy, has led Chattanooga Community of Christ’s urban ministry for 20 years, creating a safe haven for those escaping poverty and crime in central Chattanooga. Their work supports hundreds of children, teens, and adults weekly with food, safety, and emotional care. Recognized by the Chattanooga Police Chief, City Council, and Court System for reducing crime and aiding the disadvantaged, the Munsons advocate for minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, and houseless persons. Their ministry reflects Community of Christ's commitment to human rights and the inherent worth of all.
Preparation
Daily Devotion
As we journey toward the 2026 Peace Forum, we’ll explore peace by reading the book Pursuing Peace: 365 Prayers for a More Peaceful World. Purchase your copy today!
Peace Coloring Page
Children and adults alike are invited to use the Seeds of Peace coloring page to reflect on the theme of the 2026 Peace Forum. Download the coloring page to join in this creative exploration of peace!
Creative Reuse Donations
Give reusable materials a second life while supporting creativity, sustainability, and community during the 2026 Peace Forum.
Countdown
