Muslims and Christians. How can we get along?

The view from my office in New York City overlooks Ground Zero. Every day I’m in the office, I have the opportunity to observe the massive construction project as well as the thousands of visitors to the 9/11 Memorial pools. It is all a stark reminder of how a person’s faith can be radicalized and politicalized.   Unfortunately, violence perpetrated by those who have hijacked their faith continues to occur on almost a daily basis.  The Islamist terror group Boko Haram has killed hundreds of Christians in northern Nigeria since 2009. The killings have escalated in recent months, and security forces have clearly failed to protect lives, forcing hundreds to flee for safety. Earlier this month, al-Shabaab from Somalia attacked two churches in Kenya leaving 17 people dead and scores of people injured, including women and children. However, attacks are taking place against Muslims as well. Last week an Islamic Center in Missouri was torched. Earlier this year a mosque in Queens was firebombed. Whether deaths occurred or not, all these acts of violence need to be condemned by all faith leaders.  To read the rest of the blog click here.

An anniversary for the world’s youngest nation.

Today is the first anniversary of the independence of South Sudan. The world marvelled at the initial peaceful transition. However, today huge challenges are being faced as the South Sudanese people seek to build a new nation. An entire national infrastructure has to be developed to provide health care, education and other basic services. Add to that the flood of hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Republic of Sudan. On top of all that there has been ongoing disputes in the border states and intertribal conflict that has seen thousands die. So much needs to be done at so many levels. Our partners at Integral Alliance are responding to the refugee Crisis in Unity State. The South Sudan Evangelical Alliance has been working at peace building and reconciliation. Our Sudanese leaders have joined us at the UN Arms Trade Treaty Talks to speak out for the need for a comprehensive treaty which includes ammunition. As Sudanese Bishop Taban said, “A gun without bullets is just as stick.” The WEA is engaging in some diplomatic efforts to bring greater peace and stability.

On this anniversary of the newest nation of the world let’s say a prayer for those who struggle for hope in South Sudan.

After a long delay I’m back to writing my blog!

After a long-delay I’m getting back to writing my blog.

The last few months have been filled with remarkable opportunities to be messengers of hope, peace and reconciliation. 

These broad-ranged endeavors have included:

• Engaging with senior government officials in China.
• Partnering with top TV producers on a major docudrama on the entire Bible.
• Holding a peace conference in South Sudan
• Conducting an Egypt Summit for Christian leaders.
• Speaking to the 10,000 delegates at the World Prayer Assembly in Indonesia.
• Providing input to the diplomats negotiating the UN Arms Treaty.
• Launching Unashamedly Ethical - A focus on ethics in the Marketplace.

Seeking to be good news people takes us into all sorts of situations. 

Lot’s more to come this summer.

Seeking to follow Jesus,

Geoff