This is Peacemaking

We preached on the Beatitudes this past weekend. This joint statement by the presidents of two local universities (University of Northwestern St. Paul and Macalester College) is peacemaking (Matthew 5:9). Find it here: https://bit.ly/42vdmKF.

I urge you to read the whole thing (it’s short), but here are a couple of snippets:

“As presidents of two Minnesota colleges that often are characterized as being at opposite ends of the political spectrum, we together grieve violence, political or otherwise, and issue a call for peace, reconciliation and civility — in our public discourse and our regard toward one another.”

“At these gatherings, our conversations can be difficult and truly personal. We often disagree, but we leave with deeper and more honest friendships than when we began. We also learn to find common ground. We agree that we share the same telos — a more perfect union — even though we may differ on what that looks like and how best to get there. We discuss politics and policies, and we discuss the sources of our convictions. We learn to speak charitably of one another. And, with humility, we honor our shared humanity and the dignity of every person. We are better for it. Our students are better for it. Our society is better for it. Our college campuses should be a place for the open exchange of ideas, not violence.”