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Pacific Conference of Churches: “Let Peace Govern Security”

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

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Wed, 07/22/2026 - 15:02

Rev. James Bhagwan, general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, released a pastoral letter, “ Let Peace Govern Security,” that reflects on seeking peace through relationship, dialogue, dignity, and care for the whole community of creation.

Image

A group from the Pacific Youth Delegation to the WCC 11th Assembly in 2022.

Photo: Gjermund Øystese/WCC

The letter reflects on how, before the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, the Pacific Conference of Churches articulated the vision. “ We understood peace as the continuing work of becoming more fully human in relationship with one another, with creation and with God,” the letter reads. “ The spiritual horizon was a Pacific covenant in which justice heals relationships and communities flourish.”

Now the Veitacini Treaty, signed by Fiji and Australia on 6 July, has entered this story. “ Its text affirms the Pacific Way, peaceful settlement through dialogue, respect for sovereignty and freedom from coercion,” notes the letter. “ Several purposes now travel under…

Source: World Council of Churches · Read the full story →

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Петро Мороз

I liked how they connected peace with "continuing to work to become more human" in our relationships with others, with creation, and with God. This is close to what we talk about in church meetings. And what exactly in Veitacini Treaty affected you the most?

Богдан Коваленко

I also liked how they wrote about "becoming more human" - it's definitely about relationships, not about some papers. In the Veitacini Treaty, the most striking thing is that it directly mentions freedom from coercion and respect for sovereignty, without unnecessary politics. And what do you think, will it really help fishing in our common waters?

Сергій Шевченко

Yes, "becoming more human" in a relationship is what keeps the community together, not just another contract on paper. In the Veitacini Treaty, I also liked how freedom from coercion was clearly spelled out, without unnecessary rhetoric. As for fishing in shared waters, I wonder if it will turn out that big neighbors will still dictate quotas, as often happens?