Peacebuilding Research Project in Partnership with The Beltram Peace Center at Emmanuel Mennonite Church

At the end of 2024, we kicked off a new research project with The Beltram Peace Center at Emmanuel Mennonite Church. Through this project, we aim to enrich the understanding of peacebuilding and encourage religious movements and communities to work together to create peace within their own territories.

This study focuses on the Alachua County Faith Leaders Alliance (ACFLA), an inspiring interfaith coalition in Alachua County, Florida. For nearly ten years, ACFLA has brought together over 20 representatives from diverse faith-based organizations. United by a commitment to mutual respect, love, and justice, the Alliance works collaboratively to confront hatred, educate the public, and model peace through shared meals, dialogue, and public actions.

The study is currently underway and will highlight the challenges peacebuilding presents for society, local governments, and the national government, while also strengthening the vision and mission of Emmanuel Mennonite Church and advancing the research goals of the Community Transformation Center at Palm Beach Atlantic University.