May 26, 2003
by Midge Mack

DENVER - Presbyterian Peacemaker Bob Smiley recalled the document that has guided and defined the denominations peacemaking efforts since 1980 in a speech given Sunday night at the Peacemaking dinner.

Smiley, who served the Presbyterian Church (USA) as director of its United Nations Office for 27 years, was speaking about Peacemaking, the Believers Calling, which envisioned a resolution of conflicts between nations.

He said the hopes it represented and the reality of history since it was adopted specifically those related to U.S. foreign policy have taken wildly divergent paths.

He said the paper called on Presbyterians to be faithful and obedient witnesses to our faith while trying to lead nations of the world to resolve their conflicts. Our response to this high calling was based on faith, not fear, he said. As we now see, fear causes irrational actions.

How do we live faithfully in our global neighborhood? he asked. To follow our calling, we must ask who are our neighbors? Instead, our country tells us that whoever is not with us is our enemy.

PCUSA News Service