Thematic Areas of the IEPC

The IEPC will encourage churches and their theologies to reflect and promote peace and justice. Jesus' great commandment "Love your neighbour as yourself" is a guiding light for the gathering and its four main themes.

• Peace in the Community
• Peace with the Earth
• Peace in the Marketplace
• Peace among the Peoples

Peace begins with us, with our neighbours.

Our self-understanding and that of others around us determine our ways of relating with the wider world.

If we as Christians believe that peace on earth must begin at home, how do we ensure that in our communities?

How do we overcome racism, sexism and similar cultures that violate the lives of so many?

Peace on earth includes peace with the earth.

Human beings are called to take responsibility for nature. Today's challenges in regard to ecology, climate change and natural resources make it urgent to consider our views and actions.

What are Christian ways to care for creation?

What can people of faith do on both the personal and the collective levels?

Some see no way for the market to be peaceful, others see it as the way to peace and prosperity.

The crises of the early 21st century compel us to take a critical look at our core assumptions about wealth and poverty, growth and sustainability, and how they are obstacles to justice and generate violence.

What is the role of Christians in the world's markets, both as participants and in our ministries of reconciliation?

Working for peace is a form of discipleship.

Resolving conflicts between nations, races and religions is an act of faith. An inter-dependent world means Christians must prevent violence and promote reconciliation in new ways.

But how?

Does our identity include others or exclude them?

Is our religion identified with the rule of law or the use of force?

Who allows "doomsday" weapons in the household of God?

Are churches helping build up international capacity to keep peace and break down national capacity to wage war?