Amplify

It’s been nearly 25 years since bombs fell on Serbia, almost 30 since the Dayton Agreement ended the war in Bosnia . . . yet these countries and those surrounding them are still permeated by a negative peace. Violent conflicts occur on the border with Kosovo, cities are still divided along ethnic lines, and nationalist rhetoric allows authoritarian leaders to remain in power. Without connections, without communication, divides will never be bridged, healing will never occur, and reconciliation will remain forever out of reach.

A number of nonprofit organizations in the former Yugoslavia seek to restore broken relationships and establish positive peace by bringing together people of different ethnic groups and gathering those willing to speak out against divisive nationalist tendencies. However, a number of factors including lack of time, language barriers, and limited networks prevent them from reaching potential participants and possible donors.

By volunteering my writing, editing, organizational, and content creation skills, I amplify these existing nonprofits’ voices, increasing their reach and freeing their leaders to engage and educate the public about their vision.

Inspire

Young adults continue to leave the traditional Christian church in high numbers—but not because they no longer believe. They are worn out, tired of congregations and denominations that don’t speak of the God they’ve encountered, an inclusive God who desires equity and freedom for all creation. Many find others experiencing the same type of evolving faith on the internet and through social media.

As a neurodivergent millennial with chronic illness and limited mobility, I understand the importance of the internet to connect with those who feel outside the norm. The peacebuilding movement I’ve created, #BeGracefullyPunk, is a form of digital ministry that combines spiritual practices and calls to create social justice, offering hope to believers seeking a different vision of God.

To inspire others to view faith differently, I write Substack newsletters, host Zoom courses, and use digital platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook to engage with Christians in every stage of belief. I also offer free facilitated group discussions centered on the “Introduction to Christian Peacebuilding” curriculum created by Peace Catalyst.

Revitalize

For many of the same reasons, my own denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is dying; current trends suggest it may cease to exist by 2050. Yet it can offer exactly what believers who have disaffiliated desire. Through the Word, through Holy Communion, through prayer and praise and worship and wonder, the Lutheran liturgy offers glimpses of God. At the same time, by heeding Martin Luther’s own belief that Christians should respond to the love God freely bestowed upon them by loving their neighbor through acts of service, congregations should actively engage with social justice issues.

ELCA congregations are perfectly poised to become “third spaces,” a bridge between work and family life and state and international institutions, where communities can come together. The goal is not conversion but conversation and contemplation. Such interactions with their neighbors sets up the next step: actively working alongside the community to create positive change and lasting peace.

We can revitalize the ELCA, and provide a model for other Christian denominations, by encouraging the denomination to adopt peacebuilding as a framework that provides a way for them to engage with their communities while remaining true to their Lutheran traditions, strengthening members’ faith to remind them of God’s promises and give them hope as they go out into the world.

Credentials

Program Director, Peace Catalyst International

Graduate student in Justice and Reconciliation, Luther Seminary

20+ years of nonprofit involvement in a variety of roles

15+ years of professional writing and editing experience

BA, International Political Economy, emphasis development in the Global South

JD, International Humanitarian Law, emphasis self-determination

Training in Kingian nonviolence

Training in conflict resolution

Training in digital ministry

Certificate, Peace and Conflict Studies in the Former Yugoslavia

Certificate, Youth and Family Ministries