Create Space for Peace: 40 Years of Peacemaking is a collection of writings from the late Gene Stoltzfus' articles, speeches, and letters about his global journey of peacemaking. This book draws directly from Gene's experiences around the world and contains pictures and stories of direct peace actions, along with critical assessments of current political and military trends. It also documents the challenges and ecstasies on the inner journey of a passionate and joyful peacemaker. This collection of Gene's writing -- and poignant reflections by others impacted by his life -- will inspire those who wish to travel further on the road to global peace.
See also Gene's personal blog, Peace Probe, here's a review of Create Space with examples of Gene's peacemaking and more about peacemaking and worldwide violence-reduction projects here.
See also Gene's personal blog, Peace Probe, here's a review of Create Space with examples of Gene's peacemaking and more about peacemaking and worldwide violence-reduction projects here.
2-min video introduction to Create Space for Peace.
Why a Book about Gene's Peacemaking?
The past century was the most violent in our common history however a sub theme was the emerging rediscovery of nonviolent peacemaking by Gandhi, King and the rest of us around the globe. From India to Eastern Europe, from democratic movements in China to freedom walks in the United States, from little known villages in Afghanistan to farmers and fisherfolks in Colombia, people have discovered the power of nonviolent action.
Gene both imagined and worked everyday for peace in the world's hotspots for more than 40 years. His work as a conscientious objector in Vietnam during the war, in Philippines during martial law and in urban Chicago's gang areas in the 1980's convinced him that a long term organized team approach was crucial to reduce violence. He went on to become the founding director of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) from 1988 to 2004. Now in its 25th year, CPT trains and deploys violence-reduction teams around the world in militarized or crisis areas like Iraq, Palestine and parts of Columbia.
Additionally, Gene's peacemaking work and vision cut to the core, not the symptoms, of four global systemic threats: militarism, the environment, the economy, and the food crisis. His approach possessed an authentic voice that won him the trust and respect of numerous communities worldwide that he partnered with to co-create space for peace.
While in former times it might have been laughed off or marginalized, the emerging culture of nonviolence -- or at the least curiosity about its content and effectiveness -- create conditions where learning, action, organizing and active peacemaking has a chance.
This window of opportunity deserves our critical attention, able reflection and competent preparation. At root all of us in this world have the potential to share the power of love and nonviolence, forces that reach far beyond mere sentimentality.
Gene both imagined and worked everyday for peace in the world's hotspots for more than 40 years. His work as a conscientious objector in Vietnam during the war, in Philippines during martial law and in urban Chicago's gang areas in the 1980's convinced him that a long term organized team approach was crucial to reduce violence. He went on to become the founding director of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) from 1988 to 2004. Now in its 25th year, CPT trains and deploys violence-reduction teams around the world in militarized or crisis areas like Iraq, Palestine and parts of Columbia.
Additionally, Gene's peacemaking work and vision cut to the core, not the symptoms, of four global systemic threats: militarism, the environment, the economy, and the food crisis. His approach possessed an authentic voice that won him the trust and respect of numerous communities worldwide that he partnered with to co-create space for peace.
While in former times it might have been laughed off or marginalized, the emerging culture of nonviolence -- or at the least curiosity about its content and effectiveness -- create conditions where learning, action, organizing and active peacemaking has a chance.
This window of opportunity deserves our critical attention, able reflection and competent preparation. At root all of us in this world have the potential to share the power of love and nonviolence, forces that reach far beyond mere sentimentality.
