We help individuals, churches, and other community groups who are ready to learn and use active nonviolence to respond to conflict, injustice, violence, militarism, and war.
OEP is an independent nonprofit organization developing leaders for justice and peace using the discipline of Kingian Nonviolence. We also are a recognized agency of the Church of the Brethren, a "Historic Peace Church."
While our inspiration is rooted in our faith, our programs can help any church, school, community, group, or individual grow in this work without regard to any or no religious affiliation.
Our Invitation, Welcoming All
The OEP community is committed to full inclusion of people of all identities, and to the work of racial justice and anti-racism transformation.
This open welcome is core to the values, vision, and mission that guide all our work.
Everyone from "radical disciples," to "spiritual but not religious," to "nones and dones" find a warm home at OEP to do your work for justice and peace.
Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision: A world in Beloved Community, liberated from oppression, violence, and war.
Mission: We develop and walk with leaders and communities who work for justice and peace.
Values: Our shared values are what bring us together as the On Earth Peace community. These values guide all our work, and direct our “values-based consensus decision-making” process:
- Jesus-Centered Spirituality
- Positive Peace
- Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression
- Intergenerational Leadership
- Beloved Community
History
In 1974, M. R. Zigler brought together a group of people who wanted to renew and strengthen the historic peace witness of the Church of the Brethren. Held in New Windsor, Maryland, this meeting gave birth to On Earth Peace.
On Earth Peace's founder M.R. Zigler worked for his entire life for the Church of the Brethren denomination and international community, including coordinating post-World War Two reconstruction efforts for the church.
In 2024, we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary as an organization. Throughout this year, we've established the theme of Legacy and Hope: Resisting War, Making Peace, and Pursuing Justice. Whether you joined us as a youth 50 years ago or met us this year, we are grateful for the way you are part of the legacy of On Earth Peace because you are at the heart of sustaining our mission and bringing hope to our world.
Affiliations
On Earth Peace's work is rooted in its faith. Since 1998, OEP has been an agency of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. It is affiliated with the Church of the Brethren which is one of the Historic Peace Churches.
In 2020, OEP joined the Supportive Communities Network (SCN), the first denominational agency to do so. SCN is a project of the Brethren Mennonite Council of LGBT Interests, affirming and working for publicly the full participation of LGBTQ+ people in the life of the church.
- What was the catalyst for joining SCN? We've been on an intentional journey in anti-racism/anti-oppression for almost two decades. Various forms of prejudice and oppression have compounding effects on people (which is called intersectionality), and this undermines the Good News of Christ and the Beloved Community for which we strive.
Transparency & Accountability
OEP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization committed to financial transparency, and to good stewardship of the time and money provided by our practitioners and supporters.
2024 Annual Poster Report
