“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”Matthew 5:9
The foundation of our work
What Is True Peace?
Peace is not merely a passive state or the absence of war. Within the Christian tradition, the
understanding of peace has developed through three complementary dimensions, which together provide the framework
for everything we seek to accomplish.
Shalom (שלום)
The first dimension is shalom — the biblical Hebrew concept describing the fullness of life
lived in harmony with God, with one another, and with creation. Shalom is far more than tranquility; it represents
human flourishing, justice, health, wholeness, and restored relationships. It is the vision of life as God intended it to be.
Tranquillitas ordinis
The second dimension is the tranquility of order, formulated by St. Augustine in The City of God.
Augustine understood peace as the proper ordering of all relationships: beginning with the harmony of the human soul,
extending through family and society, and ultimately finding its fulfillment in God Himself. Peace therefore becomes
possible only when every person and every aspect of life occupies its rightful place according to human dignity and divine vocation.
A gift and a mission
The third dimension understands peace as both a gift and a mission. Christ declares, “Peace I
leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27), entrusting His followers with the responsibility of
making that peace visible throughout history. Like the first disciples, we are called not merely to enjoy Christ’s
peace ourselves, but to become its ambassadors in the world.
The Five Values
In Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII identified truth, justice, love, and freedom as the four essential
foundations upon which lasting peace must be built. St. John Paul II later emphasized forgiveness
as the indispensable fifth pillar, without which authentic reconciliation cannot be achieved. These five values form the
ethical and spiritual foundation of every initiative undertaken by Global Peacemakers.
TruthJusticeLoveFreedomForgiveness
Our vision is to see this understanding of peace become a living reality among those whose decisions shape
societies — particularly political leaders, academics, and public intellectuals — so that peace itself
becomes a new paradigm for leadership and public service.