“Waging Peace: A Militarism Summit” Nov. 6-7 at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pa., will bring together Christians to explore faithful responses to war, political polarization, nationalism and violence.
The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, in partnership with Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite Central Committee, will host the summit.
Militarism — the belief that military power is the primary means of achieving security and resolving conflict — increasingly shapes public life, public discourse and cultural values in the U.S. In many churches, geopolitical conflicts and nationalism have become entwined with religious identity.
Author and peace advocate Shane Claiborne will give the opening keynote address, “Ain’t Gonna Study War No More.”
The closing keynote will be delivered by Joy Metzler, a conscientious objector and peace advocate. Metzler separated from the Air Force in 2025 as a 2nd Lt., citing U.S. funding and partnership in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza as her turning point. She started speaking out against these crimes while on active duty, and her advocacy has continued with groups such as Veterans for Peace, About Face Veterans and local groups she has partnered with or started.
Seminars will explore topics such as conscientious objection, nonviolent action and organizing, the intersection of militarism and climate justice, Christian responses to radicalization and youth-focused peacebuilding.
A panel discussion, “Bearing the Cost, Building the Peace: Women and Militarism,” will highlight the experiences of women whose lives have been shaped by militarism.
Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA denominational minister for peace and justice, chairs the planning committee. Other committee members are Iris de León-Hartshorn of MC USA, Eric Frey Martin of MMN and Galen Fitzkee and Nathan Toews, both of MCC.
The cost is $75 for adults and $50 for young adults ages 19 to 25. High school youth accompanied by a sponsor or pastor may attend free. Registration is at
mennoniteusa.org/militarism-summit.
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