History
In 1974, MR Zigler started On Earth Peace (OEP) with these words:
“The aim of 'On Earth Peace' Conference is to clarify the issues that a Christian Church must face now regarding violence, with special reference to war as a method of peacemaking; and to promote conferences by the Church of the Brethren in search of a better way to settle human conflict. This movement does not intend to solve all problems in this area of present living. It can, however, do something in the name of Christ endeavoring to implement the message that came when Christ was born, 'On Earth Peace and good will among [all people].'"
Timeline
1974: Near the end of the Vietnam War, On Earth Peace’s early work focused on preparing young people to resist any future draft as conscientious objectors to war.
1980s: Peace Academies were held in New Windsor, MD, to continue to develop leaders for peace in each generation and in each profession. During this period, Peace Assemblies gathered adults together to consider the Christian response to current issues of violence and war. In those early years, professional groups of doctors, lawyers, educators, mental health workers, and others self-organized to articulate a voice from their perspective on current issues of peace.
1990s: On Earth Peace became an agency of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference and became the home of the Ministry of Reconciliation (MoR), providing conflict transformation services to the church. Part of OEP for more than two decades, the MoR equipped congregations, districts, and the denomination as a whole to build healthy communication and address conflict constructively.
2000s: On Earth Peace renewed its peace witness program in response to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including in counter-recruitment and through congregational organizing as part of Decade to Overcome Violence. During this decade, OEP began to see the ways institutional racism was limiting the ministry. In the late 2000s, OEP began to learn, teach, and support communities and leaders using the Kingian Nonviolence approach.
2010-present: On Earth Peace recognized how systemic oppression leads to violence and war and committed to actively work and call for justice within the organization, the Church of the Brethren denomination, and local and national communities. Issue-based work includes pursuing racial justice, gun violence prevention, women's and gender justice, environmental justice, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in church spaces, and calling for a ceasefire and end to the occupation of Palestine. OEP deepened its Kingian Nonviolence training programs, offering introductions and advanced courses in Kingian Nonviolence, including Level 1 and Level 2 certification programs.
50th Anniversary
In 2024, we are celebrating our 50th year 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, we ask that you continue your vital, ongoing support as one of our sustaining partners.
Events throughout this celebration:
- On Earth Peace Day of Celebration
- House Concerts
- 3000 Miles for Peace via Racery
- Annual Conference Breakfast
- Ted & Company Benefit Performance at Bridgewater (VA) Church of the Brethren
- Holiday Party
Faith Heritage
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.
From the beginning, peace education for youth was a priority, and remains so today. Other projects over the years have included professional/vocational groups for peace, a peace resource book store, a series of peace assemblies, various peace witness activities, and programs for nonviolent social change. In 1990, the Church of the Brethren transferred its important Ministry of Reconciliation to On Earth Peace, and in 1998, the Church of the Brethren embraced On Earth Peace as an official agency of its Annual Conference.
Today, we cherish our Brethren heritage and associations, while we look forward as both an agency of the denomination and an independent peace and justice nonprofit organization serving the broader church and the whole world.
Related Brethren Websites
Bethany and BBT are sister agencies of OEP.