Statement on Nonviolence to be Considered by the 2025 World Conference
We affirm that nonviolence is a means to embody the gospel message modeled by the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. In pursuing God’s justice, those who use nonviolence seek positive change through means guided by the Spirit that do not bring physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational harm to others, oneself, or creation. Worldwide examples teach us that nonviolent actions often lead to transformative and peaceful results. We acknowledge that violent actions often can lead to more violence, making peace impossible. We uphold nonviolence that promotes healing and reconciliation, advocates for the vulnerable, cares for the environment, and creates a just and peaceable society aligned with God’s vision for all of creation. Therefore, Community of Christ, recognizing and celebrating the Worth of All Persons and the Sacredness of Creation, encourages the use of nonviolence, whenever possible, to seek justice. How we decide when nonviolence is possible involves a continuous effort undertaken by each of us—both individually and collectively—as we follow Jesus Christ, the peaceful One, Son of the living God, Word made flesh, Savior of the world.
Background
The “Statement on Nonviolence” was created in response to World Conference Resolution 1319. If adopted by the World Conference, it will serve as a guiding document for Community of Christ.
This statement acknowledges the realities of a broken and incomplete world while encouraging the use of nonviolence whenever possible. As depicted in the Community of Christ seal, the lion, lamb, and child together reveal that peace resides at the core of our identity. This statement is another step in our journey to understand and implement fully the role nonviolence plays in pursuing “peace on and for the Earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:1d) and in the life and mission of the church.
God calls us to engage actively with the world’s realities, fully aware of our limitations and shared dependence on God and one another. This divine calling inspires us to alleviate suffering, promote justice, protect the vulnerable, and work toward the good of all creation.
It takes time and intentionality to respond to this call and become a prophetic people focused on working for justice and peace. This statement invites us—collectively and individually—to explore, journey toward, and embody the meaning of this call to live the full breadth of divine love for the world. Divine love seeks the well-being and flourishing of all creation. It seeks to embed the notion of Christ’s peace in all we do and say.
If this Statement on Nonviolence is accepted by the World Conference, we commit to using it as a disciple- and community-formation tool. It should not be used to judge or oppress another person. It should be used as guidance, recognizing that all disciples must interpret the statement and responsibly choose how it influences their personal choices.
Further Context if the Statement is Approved
Ongoing discernment about our response
Community of Christ strives to live Christ’s mission and work for the transformation of the world into a more just, peaceable, and compassionate place, in alignment with God’s vision of shalom. Part of this work for transformation is the ongoing discernment of what it means to embrace nonviolence whenever possible as part of following Jesus Christ. In response to our individual and collective discernment, we are called to continue to learn from our past, grow in our understanding, and embody nonviolence in our lives, relationships, and engagement with society and creation.
Addressing root causes of injustice
We support initiatives and movements that address root causes of injustice and work toward sustainable peace for all people and the Earth. We grieve when faced with social structures or institutional practices that abuse power and perpetuate oppression, discrimination, and injustice that deny human rights or harm creation. Instead, we seek to establish social and economic structures that uphold Earth stewardship, human dignity, equality, fundamental rights, and the well-being of the vulnerable. Every individual or group choice seeking justice and sustainable life together, however small, is important because our world is interconnected and interdependent.
Calling individual disciples
We affirm everyone who through personal conscience and sense of call pursues justice and peace in ethical and diverse ways. We believe that all disciples are called to protect the most vulnerable, uphold human rights, and care for creation, avoiding the abuse of power in their personal and professional endeavors. We recognize the sincerity of those who, on the grounds of conscience, work in professions focused on peacekeeping including military and law enforcement. In addition, we recognize the sincerity of those who refuse to work in these professions, also on the grounds of conscience. We are united in our common commitment to Christ even amid our diverse perspectives about and shortcomings regarding how we respond to God’s call to pursue peace.
Learning from the past
We encourage people to wrestle with the violence of many in human history and to learn repentantly from these stories. We grieve the trauma suffered by everyone caught up in violence. We seek to bring healing of minds, bodies, and spirits to all. We affirm just-war principles as a minimum ethic for those in military service, together with those who act to protect the vulnerable. We also repent of times in our own church history when we have initiated or retaliated with unnecessary violence, or when we have turned a blind eye to injustice, including the dehumanization of others or the destruction of creation.
Promoting healthy relationships
We affirm that healthy and mutual relationships reflect God’s love and, thus, are nonviolent. We reject all forms of violence, abuse, and unjust power imbalances in interpersonal relationships. Nonviolent approaches that foster dialogue, understanding, peaceful resolutions, and reconciliations are encouraged.
Seeking understanding
We encourage open dialogue to seek understanding about ways to pursue justice through nonviolence within our faith community and with others. We grieve when conversations shut down, and individual and collective relationships are broken. We seek to create opportunities where people with differing views can respectfully explore the role nonviolence plays in the pursuit of “peace on and for the Earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:1d) and in the life and mission of the church.
Collaborating with Partners
We acknowledge and appreciate that numerous individuals, religions, and other organizations pursue peace on and for the Earth through nonviolence. We recognize that achieving God's vision for all of creation requires collective efforts beyond Community of Christ. We as a people have been challenged in Doctrine and Covenants 150:7, “These are portentous times. The lives of many are being sacrificed unnecessarily to the gods of war, greed, and avarice. The land is being desecrated by the thoughtless waste of vital resources. You must obey my commandments and be in the forefront of those who would mediate this needless destruction while there is yet day.”