Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence

05/22/2026

In this recent Pondering Peace blog post, Ruth Rosell writes: "surely the development and possession of nuclear weapons kept at a state of readiness for use in massive civilian and environmental destruction is much more than a national security issue. It is a deeply moral and spiritual issue."

The first protest march I ever participated in was the June 1982 Rally for Nuclear Disarmament in New York City. Terry and I took time out from our

05/05/2026

The use of nuclear weapons would be catastrophic and completely immoral. Yet the government wants to start mass producing new plutonium pits, the deadly internal cores of nuclear weapons, as part of developing new nuclear weapons. Here is an opportunity to say no to more nuclear weapons.

The government is required to have a public hearings regarding the environmental effects of producing these plutonium pits where public comments can be made. One of these will occur on Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 pm at Hillcrest Community Center, 10401 Hillcrest Rd., KCMO. PeaceWorks KC is holding a rally and press conference at 4:30 pm. A pre-hearing workshop on how to submit a comment will be held on May 6 at 7 pm at All Souls Church (4501 Walnut, KCMO) and will be recorded at Peaceworks page. Information on how to submit comments online can be found at: https://pitpeis.com/take-action/

04/27/2026

Please join us on Thursday evening at 6:30 pm for a Rally and Vigil for Immigrant Kansans at Asbury Methodist Church. Many of the Kansas organizations that work with immigrants are coming together to plan this. Let's make it clear that we stand with our immigrant neighbors.

Join us in solidarity with immigrant Kansans in one week! If you made it to our immigration vigil last year in Olathe, you know you're in for a powerful gathering. If you didn't make it last year, now's your chance! It's on us as people of faith and conscience to use our privilege to protect the most vulnerable among us. Join us and tell your friends and family!

New Frontiers Loud Light El Centro Inc. Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR) Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth JPIC Office Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth

04/22/2026

Here are some reflections to consider on this Earth Day week: https://www.cbts.edu/blog/wonder-and-grief/
"So let us immerse ourselves in the wonder and awe of creation and feel well up within us love, joy, and the desire to care for this world which God so deeply loves."

Earth Day is upon us and Rev. Ruth Rosell, Ph.D., director of the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence at Central, has posted her most recent blog, "Wonder and Grief." Check it out here: https://www.cbts.edu/blog/wonder-and-grief/

04/20/2026

During this week when we celebrate Earth Day, you can participate in the National Faith and Climate Forum by either joining a watch gathering at various locations across the country or by watching it individually from your home. When you register, there will be a listing of in-person locations to choose from. For example, in the Kansas City area, Saint Andrew Christian Church (13890 W. 127th Street, Olathe, KS) will be hosting a watch party.
For more information: https://nationalfaithandclimateforum.org/

Register Now: https://buff.ly/5bxP84S
Blessed Tomorrow is organizing the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 12:00 – 5:30 pm ET / 9:00 – 2:30 pm PT. Register to attend online or in person at one of several dozen local host locations across the country. Join us for dynamic discussions, practical workshops, and a keynote from renowned climate expert and author Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.

04/16/2026

How are Christians to think about involvement in war? And how are we to be faithful followers of Jesus at this time when our nation is waging war? In this latest Pondering Peace blog, Ruth Rosell shares some of her thoughts.

We are in the liminal period of a fragile ceasefire between the United States military and that of Iran. President Trump began Easter morning with threats

04/08/2026

The Buttry Center is cosponsoring this in-person film which shows the human impact of the war on Gaza, followed by a discussion with the film's director, Monear Shaer.

"This film uncovers first-hand the true scale of suffering endured by the film-maker's own family trapped within the Gaza Strip. It is more than just a film, it is a behind-the-headlines look into the lives of those currently suffering. You will be immersed in intimate interviews, unfiltered personal footage, and raw storytelling. Viewers witness the brilliant smiles and faces of innocence, abruptly contrasted with horrific losses, and stories untold. From childhood recollections to the present-day struggles of his family, Monear Shaer's documentary navigates the tumultuous currents of Gaza's ongoing tragedy with an unyielding commitment to truth."

To RSVP Visit our Website:
https://www.intersectkc.org/event-details/films-for-a-cause-gaza-is-my-home

04/07/2026

Please call your Representative and Senators and ask them to vote yes to any war powers resolution to stop the war in Iran and express your strong opposition to this war. Pres. Trump has threatened massive death and destruction - "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" - unless Iran gives in by tonight. This is a threat of massive war crimes and likely genocide. This war is dangerously escalating. Congress needs to do what they can to stop the war and refuse to give any more taxpayer money to the president to fund it.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/iran-defiant-eve-trumps-ceasefire-deadline-2026-04-07/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRCLLJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEex3OrxtGwawDWzXqmJFK8hnWUFDPl2lwlkl6lBBEbXdPaBBqnRsYK0nGQlCM_aem_ra73Qdnxn2DPUfbMgZ86MA

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened that "a whole civilization will die tonight" as Iran showed no sign of accepting his ultimatum to ​open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening.

04/01/2026

Here is the recording of the Rev. Susan Hayward speaking about "The Role of Faith in the ICE Age." She shared with us what they have been experiencing in Minneapolis, including how toddlers were left in a car by ICE agents when they detained their parents in the midst of Minnesota winter temperatures. She also shared what people of faith were doing and how love, moral courage, and care for one another were being shown.

Presented by Rev. Susan Hayward for the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence at Central Seminary

03/23/2026

Join us this Thursday, March 26th at 12-1 pm (CT) on zoom to hear the Rev. Susan Hayward speak about “The Role of Faith in the ICE Age.” Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/rACA9M5UTKi8x4z4y_Zp3Q #/registration
The Rev. Susan Hayward serves a church in Minneapolis and has been actively involved in helping her community during the ICE occupation. She will speak on what has been happening and will offer suggestions as to how other communities can get prepared for when ICE intensely targets them. For more information: https://www.cbts.edu/events/the-role-of-faith-in-the-ice-age/