Another school shooting. A suicide bomber. Partisan politics on steroids. The daily news can be a real peace-robber. So we need to learn how to pray down peace into our world.

Muslims eating Halal food in the church fellowship hall. People making friends across cultural and religious lines. Christians and Muslims openly discussing our common ground and differences about Jesus. This is a snapshot of our most recent Love Your Neighbor Dinner at the Valley Vineyard in Reseda, California.

What if people of all faiths, colors, genders, and political affiliations could unite and stand together for the cause of peace and justice? On Sunday, we did just that. The Interfaith March for Peace and Justice was a coast-to-coast coordinated event that took place in 12 cities across the U.S. to affirm freedom of religion and to stand against racial and religious discrimination. Peace Catalyst was part of three of these marches, in Columbus, Ohio; Boise, Idaho; and Oxnard, California. 

On April 9-11, we convened a “Seek the Peace of the City” consultation at Duke University to catalyze and equip a national network of Christians and Muslims to create safe, just, and vibrant cities. Over 40 attendees representing 12 cities gathered for two days to learn together and begin forming plans to combine our efforts for the next two years to bring about transformation in our respective cities. 

When I heard about the First Annual Black American Muslim Conference, I knew I had to attend.  As a white evangelical Christian, I wanted to hear this group's stories and stand in solidarity with them against the blatant racism and anti-Muslim sentiment that buffets their lives. Since Peace Catalyst focuses on Christian-Muslim peacemaking, it seemed like a practical way to be good neighbors and to live out our calling as peacemakers.

You’ve already taken the steps to plan your Peace Dinner and you’re equipped with our 5 tips for hosting successfully, but you may still find yourself feeling nervous or unsure about any number of elements of your peace dinner. Here are answers to a few questions you might have.

So you’ve got your peace dinner planned, and people will be at your house in a few hours. What will make you a good cross-cultural host? The following 5 tips will give you a good start.

Leaders from the three Abrahamic faiths partnering together for the common good could be a game-changer. Together we can be a powerful force undermining violent extremism, reducing religious persecution, and making peace in our broken, bleeding and beautiful world.

Peace Catalyst merch is now available on our online store! Head on over and show your support for the peacemaking movement with some great new gear!