Posted on: 31st July 2025

As we look at the conflicts around the world, we can feel overwhelmed. Whether it be the Sudan, Israel and Palestinian conflict, Ukraine and Russia, The Congo and many more we can feel there is no hope. Yet God states ‘blessed are the peacemakers' (Matthew 5:9), and no matter what the situation, we are called to bring peace. This isn’t always straightforward; I was speaking recently to a church leader who stated they were developing a whistle-blowing policy, which would enable someone to call out a leader or leaders should malpractice be happening. It may well be that, should this process be needed, one has to stimulate a sense of initial conflict by calling out leaders to create a sense of justice and greater peace in the medium and longer term. As a quick side note, I think it’s a very good idea for Churches and Christian organisations to have such policies in place, and it may be worth thinking about doing if a Church or organisation you are part of doesn’t have one.

Perhaps one of the most profound ways in which the Christian community and society can stimulate peace and collaboration is by our part as an advocate between entities when disputes arise, or as the Dave Matthew’s band has said, being in the ‘in-betweens’. When two people or two organisations or, for that matter, different countries are in dispute, it's vital there are diplomats who act in the spaces in between with the real intention to resolve whatever conflicts may exist. A somewhat vital, if not understated role, is that of an ambassador, which helps to link one country to another. The role is vital in helping with negotiations between nations and in helping nation-states know how to engage with each other.  

For us, we are all called to play ambassador roles as we seek to bring more of God's Kingdom into this broken world where we find ourselves. Whether its going before a refugee to help them access housing and services in a new city where they have just arrived; whether its being the link who keeps family members connected; whether its coming off the sidelines and advocating in that space in-between for hope and peace; where there are differences of opinion, conflict, and disputes, we are called by God to open up a path where different factions can move forward and find resolution. Like Jesus, who reconciles us to God the father, by his life, death and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), may we all be reconcilers and ambassadors bringing people together to find peace in the communities where we find ourselves.

By Dave Paterson, Unity in Poverty Action (UPA)

UPA is a member project of Leeds Christian Community Trust.