70 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr responded to the cessation of violence on the campus of the University of Alabama, which brought peace by rewarding the perpetrators of violence, with his sermon “When Peace becomes Obnoxious” (Dexter Avenue Baptist Church). He declared this ‘peace’ as a ‘peace that had been purchased at the price […]
Dear all, As Christmas approaches, may we prepare not only our homes, but our hearts. May our streets not only shine with lights, but may our faith be rekindled, our courage renewed, and our commitment to justice deepened. May love be reborn within us, agape rooted in our hearts, forgiveness given intentional space, and transformation dwelling
A Christmas Message from The International Fellowship of Reconciliation Read More »
Professor Lee Marsden, from the Fellowship, attends the alternative Remembrance Service in London On 9th November 2025 peacemakers from around the country gathered in central London for the National Alternative Remembrance Service. The autumn leaves were shaken from the trees that have lived on throughout many wars. As the leaves gently fell, a multitude of
Leaves and Lives Falling : A moment of Remembrance Read More »
In the first of an occasional series, we share some pointers for preachers as they prepare to preach on peace. This time Rev Dr Mark Wakelin, Chair of Trustees of the Fellowship, presents some considerations ahead of Remembrance Sunday. Some points to reflect upon. Armistice and remembrance Remembrance Sunday began as a moment to remember
Preparing for Powerful, Personal Preaching on Remembrance Sunday Read More »
This year has seen a major increase in interest in material to use on the UN International Day of Peace. This shows there is a real “thirst for peace” in the UK churches. Over 300 requests were made via online forms, phone calls and face-to-face conversations for the prayers, children’s activities and sermon notes. This
The Fellowship of Reconciliation was sad to hear of Norman Kember’s recent death. Norman’s contribution to an active Baptist Peace theology and the life of both the Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Baptist Peace Fellowship cannot be overstated. His combination of strong personal faith, sense of humour and deep commitment to a challenging vision of
Representatives of UK faiths, including the Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (England and Scotland), have written to the UK Prime Minister expressing concern over the police raid on the Quaker Westminster Meeting House which took place on the 27 March 2025. During this raid, six people were arrested for attending a peaceful introductory gathering
Fellowship calls leadership of Pope Francis ‘A Beacon of Hope in increasingly Dark Times’ The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR), the oldest faith-based peace movement in the UK, sent messages of solidarity and support to Catholic sister agencies at the passing of Pope Francis. The FoR regularly partners with Catholic based peace and justice movements for
FoR Member Lee Marsden shares his perspectives on how special the special relationship is Special Relationship Myths and Peace in Ukraine When President Trump was berating Volodymyr Zelensky for playing his cards poorly in the Oval Office, the British media were full of admiration for Keir Starmer playing the Special Relationship card. The ‘Special Relationship’
The Fellowship of Reconciliation has expressed dismay at the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding increasing defence spending to the detriment of international aid. John Cooper, Director of the Fellowship, said “Today’s statement demonstrates that pursuing a lasting peace is not currently a priority for this government. Announcing an increase in military spending before the security review
Increasing military spending is ‘a hard pill to swallow and will do the patient no good’ Read More »
