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Council of Bishops | September 11, 2025
“Seek peace and pursue it!”
Every day, we are besieged with acts of violence across the globe. From Gaza to Goma to Orem to Evergreen. We grieve with families, communities and nations as they bear the weight of the pain and grief that violence leaves in its wake. The assassination of Charlie Kirk reminds us of the urgent need to address the growing threat of political violence.
We unequivocally condemn this act of violence and all violence. Violence dehumanizes victims and perpetrators. We call upon all people to reject the divisive rhetoric that fractures community. The most recent school shooting in Colorado summons us again to work to make schools safe places, to equip children to manage difference and disagreement nonviolently and to reduce the easy access to guns.
We are guided by the prophetic vision of Isaiah, who wrote, “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). This vision of a world where weapons are transformed into instruments of peace and prosperity is a powerful reminder of our calling to be active peacemakers.
As United Methodists gather for worship over the next several days, we call you to prayer and meaningful action against violence as a means to dispute settlement. We urge United Methodists to actively promote a culture of understanding, respect, and nonviolent conflict resolution. We encourage all United Methodists to work for public policies that foster community and reduce violence locally and globally.
Yours in pursuit of peace,
Bishop Tracy S. Malone
President, Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church