Join pastors, church leaders, young adults and peace-minded Christians for a two-day gathering exploring what faithful peacemaking looks like in an age of war, polarization, nationalism and violence.
- 🗓️ Friday November 6th – Saturday November 7th, 2026
- ⛪️ Forest Hills Mennonite Church
- 📍Leola, Pennsylvania
Keynote Speakers
Shane Claiborne
speaker, activist and best-selling author
“Every time our government chooses to use military force to bring about change in the world, it once again teaches our children the myth of redemptive violence, the myth that violence can be an instrument for good.” – Shane Claiborne
Shane Claiborne is the founder of The Simple Way in Philadelphia and a leader of Red Letter Christians, a movement committed to living as “as if Jesus meant the things he said.” A longtime advocate for peace, justice and nonviolence, Shane has worked alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta, spoken out against war around the world and inspired countless Christians to put their faith into action. His work has been featured in Christianity Today, TIME, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, NPR and more. In 2023, Shane received the prestigious The King Center’s Beloved Community Award for Social Justice from Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Joy Metzler
conscientious objector, peace advocate
Joy Metzler separated from the Air Force in 2025 as a 2d Lt, citing US funding and partnership in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza as her turning point. She started speaking out against these crimes while 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.
The Contradiction of Faith and Force
Join us as Joy discusses the contradiction between military service and Christian faith and how it led to her filing for conscientious objection. Through her journey, her faith shaped the way she dismantled many of the lies told to us – particularly Christians – about who we are as Americans versus who we are as people of faith, whether Christian or otherwise. It is in this very faith that she has found the strength and resilience to work against a seemingly insurmountable foe – the destructive and dangerous US military machine.
Free Resource for Every Attendee!
Every registrant will receive a free copy of “The Peace Position: Stories and Witness for Today’s Peacemakers,” a newly developed resource from MennoMedia, in partnership with MC USA and Mennonite Mission Network. Through historical and contemporary stories, practical inquiry and meaningful reflection prompts, this resource equips Christians to faithfully live out a peace-centered witness in an increasingly militarized world.
Featured Panel
Bearing the Cost, Building the Peace: Women and Militarism
Abby Endashaw, Mennonite Central Committee’s Summer Service National Coordinator, Joy Metzler, a Conscientious Objector who separated from the Air Force and Linda Gehman Peachey, a freelance writer and formerly Women’s Advocacy Director at Mennonite Central Committee.
Join us for a candid conversation with women from diverse backgrounds as they share personal stories, insights and reflections on how militarism affects their lives and the lives of those who identify as women. We will explore the gendered consequences of militarism, explore connections between power and violence and consider the roles women play in resisting militarism and building peace.
Rooted in the Anabaptist faith tradition and open to all who seek to follow Jesus’ call to peace, Waging Peace will offer opportunities to learn, reflect and engage in meaningful conversations about how Christians can embody God’s peace in today’s world.
What you’ll learn
Choose from seminars addressing topics such as:
- Conscientious objection
- Alternative service
- Nonviolent action and organizing
- Women and militarism
- Intersection of militarism and climate justice
- Christian responses to radicalization
- Peace tax advocacy
- Youth-focused peacebuilding
- Equipping congregations for peacebuilding
Summit Schedule
November 6: 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
November 7: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Full seminar lineup to be announced soon.
Summit Location
Forest Hills Mennonite Church
100 Quarry Road
Leola, PA 17540
Accessibility
There is ample parking at Forest Hills Mennonite and the building is wheelchair accessible (including bathrooms). There is space on the registration form to request specific accommodations.
Summit Lodging
Coming in from out of town? We have a few lodging recommendations. Book early to ensure your spot!
Secure Your Spot
The forces of militarism shape our communities, politics, economics, media and even faith communities. As followers of Jesus, how are we called to respond?
At Waging Peace, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Explore how militarism impacts our world and our churches.
- Learn practical tools for peacebuilding and nonviolent action.
- Engage with leaders and practitioners working for peace and justice.
- Connect with others who are committed to living out Christ’s call to peace.
- Discover resources you can bring back to your congregation and community.
Whether you are a pastor, church leader, young adult, educator, peace advocate or someone seeking to better understand today’s challenges through the lens of faith, this gathering is for you.
Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance.
For additional questions or information on scholarships, please contact Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA denominational minister for Peace & Justice.
Adults
$75
Young Adults
Ages 19-25
$50
Youth
Youth welcome! High school youth attend for free when accompanied by a youth sponsor or pastor.
Free
In Appreciation
We extend our deep appreciation to individuals and organizations that helped make this event possible.
Planning Committee: Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz and Iris de León-Hartshorn, MC USA; Eric Frey Martin, Mennonite Mission Network; Galen Fitzkee, Nathan Toews, Mennonite Central Committee.
Partnering organizations: MennoMedia, Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Mission Network.
Special thanks to The Schowalter Foundation for its generous financial support.