Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence

08/26/2026

The Buttry Center works with Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) on a number of climate and justice issues. This zoom event on regenerative agriculture is this coming Thursday, August 27 at 7 pm (CT) and will feature Sheri Ellwood, who is a farmer, Lutheran minister, and works for KIFA.

Next Thursday, join Sheri Ellwood, KIFA’s Director of Operations and a Kansas farmer, as she shares her experiences with regenerative agriculture, research based reasons rural and urban folks are divided, and actionable steps to reach some common ground. Join us!

Register at bit.ly/NurturingGround

08/26/2026

Here is Part 2 of the Pondering Peace blog post where Ruth Rosell discusses what our response should be to moral injury and U.S. war culture, as people and communities of faith.

If you missed Part 1, here is the link: https://www.cbts.edu/blog/moral-injury-and-u-s-war-culture-part-i/

https://www.cbts.edu/blog/moral-injury-and-u-s-war-culture-part-ii/

  Moral Injury and U.S. War Culture – Part II (View Part I here) The development of U.S. war culture has been going on since World War II and has

08/21/2026

In this Pondering Peace blog, Ruth Rosell addresses the moral injury experienced by many veterans of war, along with the U.S. war culture that contributes to it.

In her book And Then Your Soul Is Gone, Kelly Denton-Borhaug tells the stories of veterans who struggle with moral injury. One of those is “Andy,” whose

08/19/2026

We are looking forward hearing New Testament professor emeritus and scholar Dr. David May speak about the topic "Justifying War's Violence or Teaching Nonviolence: How are We to Understand the Bible, as Followers of Jesus?" This 2-part zoom series will occur on Thursdays, Oct. 8 and 15 at 12-1 pm (CT). This link will bring you to more information and the registration link.
https://www.cbts.edu/events/two-part-series-justifying-wars-violence-or-teaching-nonviolence-how-are-we-to-understand-the-bible-as-followers-of-jesus/

08/14/2026

We are excited to have Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, as our guest on Thursday, September 17 at a 12-1 pm (CT) zoom event "How a Practiced Religious Freedom Helps Christians Respond to Rising Authoritarianism and Theocracy." This link brings you to more information and the registration link:
https://www.cbts.edu/events/how-a-practiced-religious-freedom-helps-christians-respond-to-rising-authoritarianism-and-theocracy/

06/23/2026

In this Pondering Peace blog post, Ruth Rosell writes, "As we move toward July 4th celebrations, many of us may be experiencing a complicated mixture of feelings. We may want to feel good about our country and desire to celebrate its worthy achievements, but instead feel upset, angry, and ashamed of its recent actions." Read more of her reflections below.

We are in the midst of the 250th year since the United States of America was formed with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we move

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/