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In this episode of the Proclaim Peace podcast, hosts Patrick Mason and Jennifer Thomas are joined by Jared Halverson to explore the themes of peace and conflict through the lens of scripture. They discuss the significance of division in creation, the life-giving aspects of conflict, and the balance of opposites in relationships. The conversation delves into the creation, fall, and atonement as a divine paradigm, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity amidst differences. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of unity amidst differences.The Old Testament offers insights into peacemaking, often overlooked in favor of conflict narratives.Division in creation is essential for life and growth, not something to be feared.The balance of opposites, such as light and darkness, is crucial for a robust creation.Conflict can be life-giving, providing opportunities for growth and understanding.The fall is a necessary part of the divine paradigm, leading to greater holiness.Unity in relationships requires maintaining individual differences while working together.The atonement stage is about balancing the strengths of creation and fall stages.True peace is found in the presence of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.The journey from creation to atonement involves embracing and learning from conflict.For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

Welcome to Season 2 of the Proclaim Peace podcast, where hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason will read through the Old Testament through the lens of peacemakers. Join us with special guests to discover what we can learn about how to follow Jesus Christ's example of being a peacemaker from the oldest stories in the Bible. For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason welcome listeners to Season Two, emphasizing the ongoing need for peacemaking in a world filled with conflict. They discuss the importance of the Old Testament as a source of wisdom for peacemaking, highlighting its lessons on humanity, redemption, and God's unwavering support. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the Old Testament and its teachings, fostering a community dedicated to peace and understanding. The discomfort we feel is linked to a loss of peace.Conflict is a natural part of life that requires engagement.Peacemaking is a continuous effort that never truly ends.There is hope and goodness in the world despite challenges.The Old Testament offers valuable lessons on peacemaking.God's desire for humanity is one of redemption and return.The Old Testament reflects the complexities of human nature.Peacemaking involves transcending our worst selves.Fear not; God is always with us in our struggles.Community and collaboration are essential for fostering peace.00:00 Welcome to Season Two 02:06 The Call to Peacemaking 04:42 Exploring the Old Testament 05:00 Conflict and the Old Testament 10:56 The Redemptive Nature of Peacemaking 14:45 Fear Not: Embracing the Journey For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

For this 3 part bonus mini series, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason engage in a thoughtful conversation with Paul Lambert from the Wheatley Institute. Together, they explore the complex emotions and tensions that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may experience when feeling attacked or judged. The discussion highlights three common responses: retreating inward, trying to correct misunderstandings, and defending one's beliefs. Paul offers insights on how grounding oneself in the teachings of Jesus Christ can lead to unexpected, outward-focused actions that promote peace and understanding.  [00:00:26] Religious pluralism in society. [00:06:01] The importance of religion. [00:07:34] Peacemakers in a divided world. [00:10:54] Public benefits of living faith. [00:15:25] Principles for harmony and respect. [00:17:02] Living faith publicly on social media. [00:20:12] Christ's example of invited discourse. [00:26:58] Faith and compassion in relationship. [00:27:40] Building non-contentious settings. [00:32:38] Spiritual identity over political identity. [00:35:17] Interfaith work's significance. [00:39:17] Faith as the first principle. [00:42:44] Interfaith engagement for flourishing society. [00:45:41] Peace through communion with God. For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

For this 3 part bonus mini series, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are joined by Aaron Dorfman of A More Perfect Union to explore the experiences of Latter-day Saints as a minority community, especially in the wake of recent events that highlight the challenges faced by religious minorities. They reflect on the importance of understanding the dynamics of being part of a smaller faith community, particularly outside of Utah, and the varied relationships that can arise from this position. The discussion emphasizes the opportunity to learn from other communities, particularly the Jewish community, which has a long history of navigating religious minority status in often unfriendly societies.  [00:01:47] Religious minorities and their impact. [00:05:11] No one is defined by worst. [00:07:15] Antisemitism and misinformation strategies. [00:12:10] Standing up for communities. [00:14:20] Easing suffering through community engagement. [00:20:14] Tikkun olam: repairing the world. [00:21:40] Collaborative repair of the world. [00:25:08] Faith's role in democracy. [00:28:33] Shabbat dinner family ritual. For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

For this 3 part bonus mini series, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are joined by Nealin Parker from Common Ground to reflect on recent tragic events affecting the Latter-day Saint community, including the death of President Nelson and a horrific attack on a local ward that resulted in multiple fatalities. As they process these heavy developments, they discuss the emotional toll on church members and the broader implications for peace. The episode serves as a heartfelt exploration of grief, community resilience, and the principles of the gospel that can guide us in difficult times.  [00:02:19] Peacemaking in challenging times. [00:06:00] Redemptive suffering and compassion. [00:10:01] Conflict's enduring legacy in towns. [00:12:00] Long shadow of violence. [00:16:50] Gentleness as antidote to fear. [00:20:33] Fear replaced by love. [00:25:42] Community support in tragedy. [00:28:39] Prayer and gratitude for peace. For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this special live recording of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hostJennifer Thomas is joined by repeat guest Chad Ford to discuss the impact of recent events on their community and the importance of fostering peace amid fear and conflict. Chad shares insights from his research on conflict mediation, emphasizing how fear can hinder collaboration and peace-building. The conversation highlights the significance of showing up for one another in challenging times and encourages listeners to create supportive spaces as they navigate their own concerns and emotions. Join them for a heartfelt dialogue aimed at uplifting and empowering individuals to become better peacemakers. This episode was recorded with a live audience on 9/18/25 at the Compass Gallery in Provo, UT. [00:02:29] Seeds of non-fear. [00:06:00] Forgiveness and peacemaking challenges. [00:10:00] Conflict resolution through love. [00:14:30] Jesus' message of peace. [00:17:44] Transformational call to action. [00:21:17] Managing fear and suffering. [00:24:39] Accepting differences in relationships. [00:30:33] Resistance to calls for peace. [00:32:40] Trauma and its impact. [00:39:14] Transformation through love and growth. [00:42:05] The power of meekness. [00:45:34] Changing input for peacemaking. [00:52:13] Peacemaking amidst fear and anger. [00:55:16] Alleviating suffering through understanding. Find the transcript and full show notes at https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this bonus episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, host Jennifer Thomas explores the challenges of political engagement in the face of slow or no change. Jennifer shares her conversation with Julie Rose on the Uncomfy podcast, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in peacemaking. The discussion highlights how discomfort is often a necessary part of fostering understanding and building relationships that contribute to a beloved community. Listeners are encouraged to embrace uncomfortable conversations and stay engaged, as the long-term rewards of peacemaking far outweigh the short-term discomfort. Join Jennifer as she reflects on these themes and offers practical advice for navigating challenging interactions. [00:02:46] Advocacy outside comfort zones. [00:05:21] Women of faith in politics. [00:09:05] Peacefully expressing anger effectively. [00:10:17] Channeling anger to action. [00:14:51] Advocacy as a long game. [00:18:24] Politics and instant gratification. [00:21:42] Finding purpose and joy. See full show notes from the Uncomfy podcast episode here: https://www.byuradio.org/how-to-stay-politically-engaged-when-you-feel-like-giving-up-jennifer-walker-thomas Watch this episode from Uncomfy on BYU Radio’s YouTube channel here. For transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In the final episode of Season 1 of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason reflect on their journey through the Book of Mormon and the principles of the gospel that promote peacebuilding. Join them as they celebrate their journey and the pursuit of becoming better peacemakers. [00:02:45] Podcast origins and purpose. [00:04:40] Peacemaking through sacred texts. [00:08:44] Commitment to peace building. [00:13:03] Mormon peacebuilding potential. [00:16:10] Peacemakers in times of chaos. [00:22:22] Turning swords into plowshares. [00:27:29] Peacemaking as a miracle. [00:28:32] Peacemaking and miracles. [00:33:15] Handbook for peace. For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are joined by Scott Rasmussen from Interfaith America to reflect on their journey through the Book of Mormon as they approach the series' conclusion. They share their insights on how this process has transformed their understanding of the Book of Mormon, particularly the final book, Moroni, revealing unexpected changes in their perspectives. Join them as they discuss the impact of this journey on their views of peace and how to have hope within the hardest circumstances. [00:03:46] Moroni as a peacemaker. [00:04:43] Peacemaking softens our hearts. [00:08:35] Peacemaking through personal growth. [00:13:57] Geopolitical impact on personal lives. [00:15:23] The importance of "how" in peace. [00:18:38] Ethics of Jesus and nations. [00:24:55] Peacemaking in the Middle East. [00:26:01] Parent Circle: Voices of Loss. [00:30:40] Navigating conversations of difference. [00:36:00] Listening as a peacemaking skill. [00:38:11] Peacebuilding amidst violence and hate. [00:41:38] Non-violent conflict resolution examples. [00:45:39] Peacebuilding through faith and love. [00:51:04] Faith, hope, and love. [00:54:03] Charity as an antidote. [00:57:22] Finding peace in Christ. [01:00:00] Faith Matters Podcast Network. Find show notes, transcript and more at https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason explore a broader understanding of peace and peacemaking. They emphasize the importance of expanding the conversation to include diverse perspectives and forms of peace. Joining them is Dr. Jeannie Johnson, a popular professor of political science at Utah State University and director of the Groundbreaking Center for Anticipatory Intelligence. Dr. Johnson shares her insights and expertise, highlighting the significance of preparing students to contribute positively to the world. This episode encourages listeners to rethink their definitions of peace and engage in meaningful discussions about how to foster it in various contexts. [00:03:29] Defining peace within oneself. [00:04:52] Peace in complex environments. [00:11:58] Wicked problems in national security. [00:15:23] Importance of building institutions. [00:18:08] Resilience in institutions and individuals. [00:22:18] Models of peacemaking in Ammon. [00:27:32] Power in choosing peace. [00:31:06] The power of conscious choice. [00:35:57] Peace through strength exploration. [00:39:44] Peacemaking in national security. [00:46:26] Finding peace through scripture. [00:48:12] Making peace in your life. For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are joined by Rosalynde Welch to dive into the Book of Ether, a lesser-known book within the Book of Mormon. They discuss its unique historical context and the challenges it presents, while highlighting its valuable lessons for peacemaking. The conversation centers on the importance of making thoughtful decisions during difficult times, emphasizing how individuals can contribute to a culture of peace amidst societal conflict. Join them as they explore the rich principles found in the Book of Ether that can guide us toward becoming better peacemakers. [00:01:37] Moments of change and decision. [00:04:18] Peace as a fruit of the Spirit. [00:10:59] Theological vs. Doctrinal Reading. [00:12:36] Theological reading of scriptures. [00:19:07] Chosen land thesis in history. [00:22:11] Urgent call to modern readers. [00:24:56] Jaredite governance and kingship. [00:28:50] Governance systems and instability. [00:34:14] Fraternal conflict in governance. [00:39:06] Political polarization and its consequences. [00:40:20] The role of civic space. [00:47:32] Breaking the cycle of violence. [00:50:48] Wealth and human flourishing. [00:54:19] Secret combinations and conspiratorial thinking. [00:57:30] A better way to live. [01:02:08] Stories of peace and creativity. [01:05:15] Story of redemption. For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are joined by Bellweather International founder Rachel Miner to tackle the difficult and sobering topic of genocide. They emphasize the importance of peace builders acknowledging and confronting the realities of evil and suffering in the world. Jennifer highlights that a key trait of peace builders is the ability to mourn and lament for those affected by atrocities. The discussion also connects to the Book of Mormon, which addresses the theme of genocide, particularly in its concluding narratives. Join them as they explore how awareness and understanding of these harsh realities can guide us towards fostering a more peaceful and just world. [00:01:27] Genocide in the Book of Mormon. [00:06:57] Peace as a lifestyle. [00:08:09] Lifestyle of peace cultivation. [00:11:21] Leadership and transparency for peace. [00:15:44] Understanding the cycle of genocide. [00:20:46] Genocide prevention in scriptures. [00:23:06] Secret combinations in society. [00:30:05] Teaching hate leads to genocide. [00:33:16] Genocide prevention through education. [00:36:06] Choosing love over hatred. [00:41:24] Gender equality and genocide prevention. [00:44:54] Hate speech and genocide prevention. [00:48:50] Scapegoating in society. [00:52:06] Economic suffering and perception. [00:56:19] Unity in suffering and persecution. [01:02:15] Mothers of genocide survivors' hope. [01:04:08] Making peace in your life. For more show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason continue their exploration of peacemaking principles derived from the gospel and the Book of Mormon. They share thoughts from the last words of the prophet Mormon, emphasizing how the Book of Mormon serves as a vital connection during turbulent times. The conversation highlights the scriptures' candid approach to conflict, illustrating a range of difficulties from familial disputes to larger societal issues. They reflect on the narrative of the Book of Mormon, focusing on the vision of a beloved community and the hope it inspires in addressing contemporary challenges. Join us as we delve into how these teachings can guide us in becoming better peacemakers. [00:01:37] The promise of Zion. [00:04:36] MWEG's annual conference details. [00:09:29] Mormon's lament of lost opportunity. [00:12:31] Embracing the way of Jesus. [00:15:53] Peacemaking as active engagement. [00:22:04] Gospel of repentance and transformation. [00:25:01] Humility and peacemaking. [00:28:36] The humility of Moroni. [00:32:06] The path to peace. For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason continue their three-part series on Zion by diving into the profound teachings found in 4th Nephi. They discuss the significance of taking a deeper look at the elements that define a Zion community, emphasizing the unique contributions each individual can bring. They are joined by guest Andrew Bolton from the Community of Christ to share the importance of recognizing and appreciating the distinct parts of Zion, encouraging listeners to identify their own gifts and how they can contribute to building a more just and unified society. Join them as they explore the richness of these scriptures and the call to be peacemakers in our communities. [00:01:24] Elements of a Zion community. [00:04:41] Rich inheritance in doctrine. [00:08:21] Peace as Zion. [00:12:25] Seeking spiritual guidance through prayer. [00:19:46] Discipleship and utopian imagination. [00:24:43] Social protest in the Book of Mormon. [00:27:30] Transformation towards Zion. [00:31:36] Filling the hole in the soul. [00:39:59] Community and equality in Zion. [00:41:21] Jesus as a socialist. [00:45:07] Spiritual democratic socialism. [00:49:45] The fall of Zion society. [00:54:30] Zion's influence on humanity. [01:03:02] Zion organization and civic engagement. [01:04:26] Peace in conflict. For more show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace