Building peace in the city of Rockford
In a recent memo from On Earth Peace, director Bob Gross writes: Rockford, Illinois, is a divided community. Like many cities, it is polarized by economic disparities and racial tensions which have existed for generations. These tensions threatened to explode recently, when an African-American teenager was killed by two white policemen, inside a church building.
Samuel Sarpiya, who is planting a new Church of the Brethren in Rockford, found himself in a unique position to help the community choose a peaceful way forward. “I'm looking to you for guidance,” he said. “Can you provide the training and support we need to lead our community in responding nonviolently to this situation?”
On Earth Peace program director Matt Guynn developed a proposal for an intensive two-day training in strategic nonviolence, as taught and practiced by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., followed by continued organizing and leadership training. When Samuel took Matt's proposal to the broad-based Rockford Roundtable, the plan was adopted by leaders from many segments of the community. Gross went on to say that this was a leap of faith for On Earth Peace knowing that the work would require several thousand dollars beyond their current budget.
On Earth Peace sought donations from the across the denomination to support this work in Rockford. The response has been significant. As a result, On Earth Peace, Samuel Sarpiya, and the Rockford community can begin a process of healing and efforts toward renewed non-violence in the city.
Samuel Sarpiya, who is planting a new Church of the Brethren in Rockford, found himself in a unique position to help the community choose a peaceful way forward. “I'm looking to you for guidance,” he said. “Can you provide the training and support we need to lead our community in responding nonviolently to this situation?”
On Earth Peace program director Matt Guynn developed a proposal for an intensive two-day training in strategic nonviolence, as taught and practiced by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., followed by continued organizing and leadership training. When Samuel took Matt's proposal to the broad-based Rockford Roundtable, the plan was adopted by leaders from many segments of the community. Gross went on to say that this was a leap of faith for On Earth Peace knowing that the work would require several thousand dollars beyond their current budget.
On Earth Peace sought donations from the across the denomination to support this work in Rockford. The response has been significant. As a result, On Earth Peace, Samuel Sarpiya, and the Rockford community can begin a process of healing and efforts toward renewed non-violence in the city.
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