The second study weekend for the CHIPS Fellowship took place in Clapham, London on 3-4 March 2007.
After introducing ourselves, making shared agreements about our time together and having a short time of worship, Becky and Jamie led our first session on "Peace perspectives on atonement". We were encouraged to reflect on the variety of images that are used in the bible for the way in which Jesus brought ‘salvation’ and explored some of the biblical passages from which these images have been derived. We saw that the bible does not provide one neatly packaged doctrine but that the theories about atonement which are popular today have developed over centuries. We were left with the question as to how our understanding of atonement might impact on our lives as peacemakers. The session gave us plenty of fuel for further reflection, study and discussion.
After a break for drinks, Justin led us in a session on “Practical Non-violence” which began with a discussion about what non-violence is and thinking of examples of non-violence in action that the group had heard of or experienced. The distinction between non-violence as a strategy for social change versus a response to an encountered situation was made and examples drawn out for each. Justin suggested that if violence is defined as ‘uncaring destruction’ then its opposite, non-violence, could be defined as ‘loving creation’. We considered what Jesus said in Matthew 5:38-42 and acted out the examples Jesus gave of creative non-violent resistance (for details look in Walter Wink’s ‘Engaging the Powers’ reviewed here). In groups we then discussed various violent or potentially violent scenarios in which we might find ourselves and discussed different ways of responding to these. Justin left us with a handout on “8 basic responses to de-escalating violence”.
Lunch was next after which we got out for a walk (being treated to an incredible rainbow on the way) to nearby Holy Trinity Church, Clapham Common to learn and reflect on the bicentenary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Rev David Isherwood had very kindly given up some of his time to tell us about the remarkable history of the worshipping community at this church. We were also challenged to reflect on our own lives and complicity in systems which perpetuate slavery today, and what we can do about making a difference in our own lifetime.
Later in the afternoon, Georges Kisombola told his and Lydia, his wife’s, remarkable story of being separated fleeing from genocide in Burundi followed by the hardships of prison, refugee camps and years of separation from their families. They were reunited in the UK many years later and are now living here and working with other Congolese to set-up various development projects back home. Read about their incredible story and what they are doing now here.
After dinner we watched the film ‘Joyeux Noel’ about the fraternisations in the trenches of WW1. It is a very moving and well researched film highlighting the dehumanisation that happens during war but also of what is possible when the enemy is seen as a fellow human being. It also brings out the best and worst of what Christianity has to offer in the context of war - see a review of the film by Vic Thiessen from the London Mennonite Centre here.
On Sunday, Mark gave an encouraging report of what’s happening where CHIPS are working in NE Uganda (see a report from his recent trip to Uganda here). We then worshipped together using the CHIPS Peace Eucharist led by CHIPS founder Roy Calvocoressi and his wife Elfrida.
A thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking weekend – thanks to all concerned, especially our hosts Julia and Peter.
Mark and Tamsin