Phil urges Norwich leaders to embrace peace

Phil Gazley addressed Christian church and charity leaders at the Connect Norwich lunch, sharing information and insights from his work for Peace Catalyst International.

Phil Gazley from Peace Catalyst International introduced his topic with a sketch featuring the personifications of truth, justice, mercy and peace; each character expressing its role in the resolution of conflict. The skit ended with an acknowledgment that it is only when these are all fully and equally embraced that true reconciliation occur.

Phil went on to challenge the leaders present to follow the example of Jesus in spending time with people who think and believe differently. He explained in doing so “there is a subconscious witness of the shalom of the gospel… that could have as much of an impact as any words that we might say about Jesus to another person.”

Phil concluded by reminding attendees that the idea of peace is used in the Bible about 400 times but is rarely spoken about, and that loving your enemies and being a peacemaker are both referenced by Jesus as associated with being children of God.

In addition, the twenty leaders from across Norwich who had gathered heard from Dean Akrill, Vicar of St Cuthbert’s Church where the lunch was held, who shared about his ministry through theatre.

The meeting also saw the launch of the new name Connect Norwich for what had previously been known as Transforming Norwich. Ian Watson, Ecumenical Officer for Norfolk and Waveney who attended the meeting commented: “The rebranding to Connect Norwich is absolutely fantastic. It represents, from my perspective, the love, the friendship and the informality of the group… I think it's going to continue to be a success and it's a paradigm, a great example for other areas across the country as well as the county.”
 
Read more about the change of name to Connect Norwich here.

Next meetings of the group:
15th May 2024: King's Community Church
10th July 2024: YMCA, Aylsham Road

Please contact Anna Heydon with any questions: connectnorwich@networknorwich.co.uk


Photo of Phil Gazley addressing Connect Norwich, by Anna Heydon