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HISTORY OF THE PEACE COMMISSION The Commission on Peace was founded in 1982 by action of the 87th Diocesan Convention. The Convention had requested that such a commission be established "to help the people of the Diocese fulfill the intention" of the October 1981 Pastoral Letter from the House of Bishops, which had called upon church people to work for peace. The late Bishop John T. Walker appointed the late Rev. Canon Charles Martin as the first chair. He was succeeded by the Rev. Canon Michael Hamilton, and later by the Rev. Canon Dalton Downs, the Rev. Caroline Parkinson, and the Rev. Joseph Lund. PILGRIMAGES for youth and adults have been sponsored to the Mid-East, Russia, and South Africa to learn about world issues directly. The trips have strengthened work, linkages, and friendships in these countries. A NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RESTORATIVE JUSTICE was held in 1999 to call awareness to the issues surrounding the criminal justice system—focusing on prison ministry, victims rights, and legislative reform. A PEACEMAKERS AWARD DINNER has been held annually to honor a nationally recognized leader who has made a significant contribution to peace. With contributions from this dinner, the Commission assumes responsibility for funding the majority of its work.NATIONAL CONFERENCES TO END GUN VIOLENCE have been co-sponsored by the Commission. Leadership for several of the workshops has come from our diocese. LECTURES, WORKSHOPS, AND FORUMS have been sponsored in a majority of congregations and at the National Cathedral. RESOLUTIONS concerning current ethical and social issues have been prepared by Commission members and passed at Diocesan and General Conventions. EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS —have been produced, including the following:
© The Diocese of Washington Peace Commission, 2002-2005
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