Become Peacemakers, a state-wide interfaith organization, has recently been established to promote Christian values of peace and good will in the social and political climate of Wyoming. Board members of the organization consist of business and civic leaders, farmers and ranchers who are affiliated with various churches and Christian congregations from across the state.
Former legislator Evan Simpson is one of the board members with Become Peacemakers and recently offered information about the organization and it’s mission in an interview on the SVI Radio Network.
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Become Peacemakers “is an interfaith organization which was recently established in response to rising tensions and violence in Wyoming and throughout the United States,” said Simpson. “This initiative is a nonpartisan movement of Wyoming Christians who are stepping out of the chaos, whether it is political or personal, and boldly examining our own actions and getting back to truly following Jesus’ teachings to promote dialogue, understanding, and peace within the state of Wyoming.”
Matt Michaeli, an attorney based in Cheyenne, organized the group that received 501(C)3 status nearly a year ago. Recognizing a need for greater restraint and respectful connection in the political and social dialogue of society, Michaeli “reached out to fellow community and faith-based leaders throughout the state,” said Simpson, who was invited by Michaeli to join the board.
The group plans to “engage in various outreach efforts, including social media campaigns, grassroots volunteer training, and encouraging elected officials to lead with humility and civility,” said Simpson. “Our group aims to create a supportive environment for discussions and promote the biblical principles of peacemaking” through “civil discourse and community engagement.”
“As we come to understand what peacemaking is, we realize being a peacemaker involves more than just resolving conflicts,” said Simpson. “It requires fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Key qualities include active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. We can all be peacemakers in our own homes, communities, and social groups. We can learn practical skills that can help us build bridges, heal relationships, and engage in productive conversation about even the hardest topics.”
Simpson spoke of his time serving in the House of Representatives when legislative sessions always opened with prayer, but during campaign season, some of those same legislators chose “underhanded tactics” and mudslinging in campaign ads and efforts.
“Unfortunately, statistics document that mudslinging is an effective way to win votes and that’s why they do it,” Simpson explained. “I’d like to see us as voters change that trend. If you see a candidate throwing mud and saying things about their opponent, particularly things that don’t ring true to you, I’d suggest that we ought to vote for someone else. A person that cannot stand on their own qualifications and credentials probably should not be in the office. Let’s make these candidates talk about issues and their own credentials.”
Simpson continued to define the level of political and social dialogue that the new organization hopes to foster, explaining that most people typically possess a general knowledge of issues and current events, but most are not experts. “Sometimes, as we engage in conversations with others, we’re so dogmatic in our position that we feel like we’re right and everyone else is wrong. We need to acknowledge that all topics of discussion have many facets of issues and outcomes. Being a peacemaker means to listen to other points of view. We can disagree with their point of view, but we should never escalate it to an argument or a conflict.”
Individuals who are interested in joining the efforts and mission of Become Peacemakers are invited to learn more about the organization and to join the movement by visiting becomepeacemakers.org.
