As we come to the close of 2023, we have an opportunity to reflect back on the events of this year and consider their implications for where God is calling us in the future. Certainly, we are aware of the wars that are currently grabbing the headlines, a reminder that complete Peace on Earth is still elusive, yet it remains part of our hope and mission within the world. Most of this I covered in a recent post.
Lost in all the noise and rhetoric around us is the fact that at our roots the Church of God was a peace church, something that was inextricably linked to our holiness perspective. For many reasons, our movement has since leaned into other directions.
Despite the gradual shift away from pacifism, close to 90 years ago the Peace Fellowship of the Church of God was formed as a remnant instrument to retain this emphasis. This was initiated by significant leaders of the time including Adam Miller, Russell Olt, and most notably, Gospel Trumpet editor F. G. Smith.
Today, most within the Church of God are probably not aware of this aspect of our heritage. Sadly, the Peace Fellowship has little prominence at this time. Nevertheless, devoted individuals continue their commitment to the cause, chief among them, Fred and Kay Shively.
In light of the current events within our world, I felt it would be important to have a conversation with Kay and Fred in order to hear their hearts on peacemaking, and hopefully challenge us all during these difficult times.
I would love to hear your thoughts arising out of this interview.
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