In a powerful lecture at Brigham Young University, Rev. Lawrence Edward Carter addressed the pressing need for peace in today’s turbulent world, which he observed is marred by both personal conflicts and international violence. He turned to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s model of peace, sulphur from over 60 years ago, inviting a new generation to embody his principles as nonviolent peace ambassadors for human rights.
Rev. Carter highlighted King’s dream of a “beloved community,” where diverse individuals coexist harmoniously. Urging students to take active roles in peace projects, he stated, “I call on you to join me on a mission for peace—to be visible and vocal supporters of justice and peace globally.”
This call for action resonates with the Peacemaker Project on campus, inspired by President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to choose reconciliation over contention. His message was reiterated during the Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize ceremony, where he emphasised that love transcends differences, fostering goodwill one interaction at a time.
Amidst the legacy of interfaith relationships, Rev. Carter shared anecdotes of his deepening rapport with Elder M. Andrew Galt, illuminating collaborative efforts between the Church of Jesus Christ and Morehouse College. Notably, Rev. Carter presented President Nelson with the peace prize, acknowledging his efforts to combat prejudice through nonviolent methods.
At the core of Rev. Carter’s message was a call for individual transformation, asserting that lasting peace must emanate from our hearts and institutions alike. He argued that real conflict resolution stems from love and understanding, challenging listeners to embody peace actively. He articulated a vision where society prioritises a Department of Peace over a Department of Defence, stating, “Peace is the path.”
Rev. Carter encapsulated his message with a call for agape love, stressing its transcendent nature, and urging the audience to accept their roles as nonviolent peace ambassadors. He concluded, leaving them with a heartfelt plea: “We all wish to see that made flesh and walk among us, full of grace [and] peace.”
Rev. Lawrence Edward Carter’s BYU lecture highlighted the urgent need for peace, invoking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a ‘beloved community.’ He encouraged students to become active peacemakers and harmonisers, echoing President Russell M. Nelson’s call for reconciliation. Rev. Carter emphasised the transformative power of love and the necessity of individual action to foster peace, culminating in a plea for attendees to accept their roles as nonviolent peace ambassadors for human rights.
Rev. Carter’s lecture established a profound connection between individual commitment and collective peace, calling upon a new generation to become nonviolent ambassadors for human rights. By embracing love and understanding, he paints a hopeful vision for a harmonious world where differences are respected, and collaborative efforts pave the way for sustainable peace. The path to unity and goodwill, he argues, begins with each person taking conscious, loving actions in their communities.
Original Source: www.thechurchnews.com
