Just Peace

In 1985 the United Church of Christ 15th General Synod held in Ames passed a Just Peace Pronouncement calling upon all settings of the UCC to be a Just Peace Church. The General Synod defined "just peace" as the interrelation of friendship, justice, and common security from violence. On April 20, 1986 the Ames UCC voted to affirm this congregation a Just Peace Church.

We believe there can be peace where violence continues. We believe conflict can be dealt with in a nonviolent way. Wars can be eliminated. Local churches can be communities of hope, of worship and celebration, of honest and open conflict, of empowerment, and of solidarity with the downtrodden. Political and social actions are needed to help others secure basic human needs. Sometimes military action is the way to stop violence.

The Just Peace Church vision is a hallmark of United Church of Christ theological identity. The grassroots movement has a public identity as a justice-doing, peace-seeking church.

Bell Ringing Each Wednesday Noon

The consistent outward sign of being a Just Peace Church at UCC - Congregational is the bell ringing at 12:10 p.m. each Wednesday. Members, friends, and members of other churches started the bell ringing during Lent 1986. Only one Wednesday in that time has the UCC bell not rung, and that was because no one had a key to unlock the church. One other time the group was locked out and went across the street to First United Methodist and received permission to ring their bell.

All are welcome at the bell ringing. The group puts a sign outside while they are present. They recite the peace prayer posted in the vestibule, sing ‘We Shall Overcome’, and talk about current troubled places in the world. Sometimes people off the street come and join the group.