Faith-based organizations should transcend the division between peace-making and advocacy.
In the realm of Christian religious freedom and human rights advocacy, a dividing line between peacemaking and advocacy has long been a staple. However, this artificial separation may be hindering the holistic impact of Christian public witness, as both disciplines are interconnected and complementary [1][3].
The distinction between peacemaking and advocacy has historically been narrow. Peacemaking is often viewed as diplomacy, mediation, or dialogue to prevent or stop violence, focusing on immediate conflict situations [1]. On the other hand, advocacy is frequently considered political activism or lobbying for rights, seen as external to spiritual duties or peace efforts, limiting Christian engagement to either spiritual or political arenas in isolation [3].
This dichotomy, though deeply rooted, misses the mark. Faith-based witness, justice advocacy, and peace efforts are interconnected in biblical teachings and historical Christian practice [3]. By keeping these efforts separate, Christians may unintentionally avoid political engagement or systemic advocacy, believing it conflicts with spiritual priorities, weakening their public influence on human rights and religious freedom [3].
To foster a more effective Christian engagement, institutions can reconsider this divide. By integrating peacemaking and advocacy as complementary dimensions of faithful witness, they can recognize that lasting peace requires addressing social, legal, and political injustices alongside conflict resolution [1][3]. A holistic theology of peace, encompassing justice, human dignity, and political responsibility as expressions of the kingdom of God active in the world, is essential [3][4].
Encouraging Christians to engage in both spiritual and political work is crucial. Political participation and rights advocacy can be seen as legitimate forms of embodying Gospel values for societal transformation, not as distractions or compromises [3]. Moreover, faith's role in shaping policies and cultural norms that uphold religious freedom and human rights should be highlighted, rather than limiting Christian action to interreligious dialogue or prayer alone [1][5].
An active rejection of passive waiting for divine intervention in favour of active participation is also necessary. Building peace and justice concurrently becomes part of living the Kingdom here and now [4].
In conclusion, blurring the rigid lines between peacemaking and advocacy enables a more robust and effective Christian engagement with religious freedom and human rights, combining spiritual depth with practical political action rooted in Christian mission [1][3][4].
The #OneMoreYearEF campaign, a sustainability challenge at Evangelical Focus, is one such initiative aiming to foster this integrated approach. Learn more about it on the Evangelical Focus website. The speaker's team, for instance, is currently supporting churches in a country ravaged by large-scale mob violence, providing psychosocial support, equipping pastors and community leaders with peacemaking tools, and advocating for justice and against impunity in the mentioned country.
As we move forward, it is crucial for Christian institutions to embrace this integrated approach, recognizing that there can be no true peace without justice.
- By embracing an integrated approach that combines both peacemaking and advocacy, Christian institutions can foster personal growth and career development by embodying Gospel values for societal transformation, addressing social, legal, and political injustices alongside conflict resolution.
- Championing justice and human rights advocacy as expressions of the kingdom of God active in the world, Christians can contribute to their own development as students of faith, promote personal growth, and enhance their career development in education-and-self-development and career-development sectors, while making a lasting impact on religious freedom and human rights.
