ZOP Delegates Hold Meeting, Foster Collaboration

Raymond Zeigler of MCCP shares his thoughts

On May 23, 2023, a remarkable gathering unfolded at the Holy Apostles and the Mediator Church in Philadelphia bringing together delegations from various Zones of Peace, converging to champion the cause of peace within the city.

Among the esteemed attendees were community and faith leaders including: the inspiring Rev. Meagan Esterby of University Lutheran Church, the dedicated David Chiles, Executive Director of Lutheran Settlement House, the visionary Abdul Rahim, founder of ICPIC New Africa Center, the esteemed Rev. Dr. Donna Jones, founding pastor of Cookman Beloved Community Baptist Church, the dynamic Raymond Zeigler of Metropolitan Christian Council of Philadelphia, the indefatigable Rev. Andy Jacob, Executive Director of Chester Eastside, the spirited Manisha Patel and the passionate Lisa Parker of Peace Day Philly, the driven Hugh Taft-Morales representing Peace Day Philly and the Philadelphia Ethical Society, the inspirational Shane Claiborne of RAWtools, Inc., and the committed Adam Kessler of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

This gathering wasn't just a casual convergence; it was an opportunity for minds and hearts to connect, for voices to resonate, and for collaborative sparks to fly. The delegates engaged in introductions that went beyond mere names, forging connections through meaningful conversations about their respective roles in promoting peace.

The discussions were punctuated by a profound question: "What tangible efforts can pave the path to lasting peace?" From these deliberations emerged a tapestry of ideas, each thread contributing to a vibrant vision of a harmonious Philadelphia:

• Better Public Education: Delegates recognized the power of education as a cornerstone of peace. Initiatives like Common Voices and Peace Education Curriculum were celebrated for their potential to foster understanding. The concept of teaching individuals to become advocates for transformative change resonated as a catalyst for peace.
• Children: The attendees acknowledged that peace must be nurtured from a young age. Youth Empowerment, Opportunities for Hope, and Youth Skill Development were mentioned as pivotal components in building a more peaceful future.
• Collaborative Partnerships: A resounding theme was the power of unity. Working Together and Common Spaces were highlighted as vehicles for transcending barriers and fostering a sense of common purpose.
• Trust the Process of Peacemaking: Recognizing that peace goes beyond the absence of conflict, the gathering emphasized the importance of Meeting Basic Needs like food and shelter. Investment in Positive Peace Activities, Affordable and Available Housing, and ensuring essential requirements are met emerged as building blocks for a peaceful city.
• Dialogues and Reconciliation: The delegates acknowledged the potency of Dialogue, Forgiveness, and Mediation in resolving conflicts. They envisioned Platforms for Open Conversations and Opportunities to Explore New Perspectives as integral to the peacemaking process.
• Believing in Each Other: The discussions further delved into the fundamental aspect of Human Compassion. Cultivating belief in one another, Fostering Empathy, and Nurturing Healthy Relationships were underscored as essential components of a peaceful community.

Amidst these insightful conversations, a framework of six overarching categories emerged that can address these issues and aid in developing collaborations. These are: Housing, Food Insecurity, Education, Restorative Justice, Health, and Social Services. A follow-up workshop is scheduled for September 19, 2023, where they will have conversations about strategic collaborations and tangible actions.

For more information and/or to sign-up for this workshop, contact Rev. Jay Gardner, D.Min, Zones of Peace Coordinator, at jg@interfaithphiladelphia.org