In the midst of the Second World War, churches working in ecumenical partnership developed the visionary document, "Six Pillars of Peace." This statement of the basic requirements for international peace was studied by member churches of the Federal Council of Churches, which later became the National Council of the Churches of Christ 16 in the U.SA., and was influential in bringing about the founding of the United Nations.

Now, more than a half-century later and with the approach of a new millennium, U.S. churches are challenged once again to explore the Pillars of Peace as a basis for policy 19 and action and to renew their support of the United Nations.

In this, as in every era, the churches are called to offer moral guidance in the midst of malaise and human suffering. In the 1940s, totalitarianism and global war were among the major challenges. Today, economic globalization has seemingly taken the control of our communities out of our hands. While it has created greater opportunity for community participation in global concerns, it has also led to increased marginalization of vast numbers within the human family. Technological advances have meant that a capacity exists to do greater good. However, some of them also assist the spread of HIV/AIDS, threaten the ecosystem with accelerated industrial and population growth, and make hair-trigger and swift the delivery of weapons of mass destruction.

Greater mobility allows capital to flow readily for both good and ill, and people to travel and migrate as well as engage in terrorist acts around the globe. Swifter communications enable greater global awareness and better human contact, but can also lead to a glut of information as well as to abuses such as the spread of bigotry and violence.

The Christian faith and community are rooted in a theological understanding that is global by its very nature. The biblical and theological foundation for the church's involvement in the quest for world peace and justice can be found in John 10:10b: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly," and in the following beliefs:

1) the transcending sovereignty and love of God and the expression of that love in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, whose mission was to reveal understanding about that divine presence, to proclaim a message of salvation and to bring justice and peace;

2) the unity of creation and the equality of all races and peoples;

3) the dignity and  worth of each person as a child of God; and

4) the church, the body of believers, with a global mission of witness, service, peacemaking and reconciliation as our response to God's action in history.

The world is the responsibility of each of our communities, where the securing of justice for one individual, one community, one nation contributes to the securing of justice and peace for all. To work for justice and peace for all is to affirm God's promise of the fullness of life: The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." (Psalm 24:1)

A new world vision is needed, a vision of peace rooted in justice, of a world that is bound together in intentional community practice. In all of these elements the United Nations has provided insight, leadership and direction. For these reasons the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA renews its support for the United Nations, calls upon the United States government to fully support the United Nations and affirms the following principles.

1) International Political Framework for Continuing Collaboration. Peace rooted in justice requires increased political collaboration and accountability among governments, local authorities, peoples, organizations and global economic systems within the United Nations family to seek the common good and equality for all.

2) International Economic Accountability. Peace rooted in justice requires that governments, financial institutions, multilateral organizations, transnational corporations and all economic actors be held morally, ethically and legally accountable to work for the welfare and well-being of all peoples. This shall be accomplished by negotiating and implementing local, national and international agreements and developing institutions that embody a just, participatory and sustainable social and economic order.

3) Comprehensive International Legal System. Peace rooted in justice requires a comprehensive international system, based in law, capable of change as conditions require. The function of this system includes: to prevent and resolve conflicts, to protect rights, to demand accountability of those who disturb peace, and to provide fair and effective mechanisms to review and enforce its decisions.

4) Liberation and Empowerment. Peace rooted in justice requires the liberation and empowerment of all groups and individuals by standing in solidarity with those who are vulnerable and marginalized and by establishing the participatory mechanisms necessary to redress the causes and consequences of injustice.

5) Conflict Resolution and Building a Culture of Peace. Peace rooted in justice requires a commitment to build a culture of peace, to use nonviolent means of resolving conflict, to limit military systems and to oppose the unrestrained production, sale and use of weapons everywhere.

6) Human Dignity and Rights. Peace rooted in justice requires respect for the inherent dignity of all persons and the recognition, protection and implementation of the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so that communities and individuals may claim and enjoy their universal, indivisible and inalienable rights.

7) Protection and Preservation of the Environment.. Peace rooted in justice requires a commitment to lifestyles and systemic changes that will produce long-term sustainability of the means of life, an ecologically just world and healthy and productive life in harmony with the whole creation.

POLICY BASE: NCCC Policy Statement, "The United Nations and the World Community", adopted May 4, 1977

NCCC Policy Statement, "The National Council of Churches Views its Task in Christian Life and Work," adopted May 16, 1951

NCCC Policy Statement, "Statement on the International Situation, "adopted January 17, 1951

9/29/98