Ep 7: Practices to Prevent a World War (with The Telos Group)

Learning from a Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestine, Pro-Peace Movement

Today is the first anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack in Israel, followed by the ongoing destruction of Gaza and a widening war in the Middle East. These are very serious, heartbreaking, and complicated days. And we’re grateful to learn from an organization that has been building a Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestine, Pro-Peace movement for the last 23 years: The Telos Group. Their mission is “to form communities of American peacemakers across lines of difference, and equip them to help reconcile seemingly intractable conflicts at home and abroad.”

Practices to Prevent a World War

In episode 7, we expand the series beyond the United States. Dave Davis (COO of Telos) and David Katibah (Director of Communications and Christian Engagement) help us understand a bit more about the escalation of violence in the Middle East. If you’ve seen the headlines and found the seemingly unreconcilable narratives confusing, this conversation is a great place to begin. Dave and David situate October 7th in the larger Story that has been unfolding for decades, and they appeal for a much different way forward. Rather than a zero sum approach—calling for one side to lose so the other side can win—they explore the pathway of mutual flourishing. And this will require diverse communities of American peacemakers to stand with both Palestinians and Israelis to sustain dignity, freedom, and security for all. It sounds so audacious. But the zero sum approach has proven to be disastrous. Let us choose the way of peace.

Six Principles and Practices of Peacemaking

Over the last two decades of working with peacemakers in conflict zones, the Telos team has crafted a brilliant pathway toward peace called Principles and Practices of Peacemaking. The invitation is not simply to wish for peace…or even to believe that peace is possible. The invitation is participation.

In this episode, Dave talks through one of the six principles. And you can explore all six at Telos’ website. Don’t miss this incredible resource!

Please don’t miss this. Their website is packed with data, wisdom, stories, practices, and next steps. For example, you can bring their team to do a Peacemaking training for your team or community.

And if you need inspiration, Telos partnered with the Good Shepherd Collective to create an album called Peace Songs. (available on Spotify)

Friends, in the same way we cannot ignore the growing danger of violence in the world and in our country, may we never give in to the despair. Todd Deatherage, co-founder of the Telos Group, often reminds us that “Hope is what we do”. Optimism is contingent on other’s actions and outside realities. Optimism comes and goes. But HOPE is what we do.

May we roll up our sleeves to tangibly join God’s ongoing work of bringing Shalom into every corner of our troubled but beloved planet. Blessed are the peacemakers.

Grace and peace,
Aaron and the PP&G Team

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