For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
The ancient prophets who foretold and described the coming Messiah proclaimed that the only path to peace is the pursuit of justice not just for some, but for all of God’s precious ones—all people, all nations. May that peace be yours by working together to make it ours, in the broadest sense of humanity and even creation itself.
—Bishop Tim Smith and the North Carolina Synod staff
Symbol of Hope (oil canvas, 1985)
Sliman Mansour, artist
A renowned Palestinian Christian artist, Sliman Mansour’s work embodies steadfastness and hope in the face of a relentless military occupation, inspiring generations of artists and activists internationally. In an interview with Christian Century, Mansour says, “Listen, we must—you must—honor these people, you must find justice pulling at your heart, you must work for peace.”