Message from Lloyd Axworthy

Church Hosting ideas

Advocacy letter (PDF)

Minutes for Mission

Peace Council Prayers and Meditations

The United Church has a proud history in the global campaign to eliminate landmines and played a significant role in the Ottawa Process that resulted in the Ottawa Treaty.

Each year United Church congregations are assisting in ridding the world of landmines through Meals For a Mine-Free World (formerly Night of A Thousand Dinners). Since 2005 funds raised by United Churches across Canada were used to support landmine clearance in Cambodia. The first minefield was 39,810 square metres and was responsible for the deaths of 27 people, and the injury of a further 7 people. In addition the minefield has caused the death of 25 domesticated animals, which greatly impaired community subsistence farming. A portion of the area, which is now cleared, isd being utilized for the construction of a new school for over 600 children.

Meals For a Mine-Free World began as an opportunity for people all over the world to come together on a single night, enjoy a meal and help solve the global landmine crisis. One individual would host a simple dinner in their homes and invite their friends and neighbours. Instead of the friends and neighbours bringing wine, flowers, or dessert they would bring a donation.

Now many churches are organizing these events collectively as a way to reach out to the broader community and to demonstrate their commitment to peace and take action to make the world a little safer.
Events have been held in church basements, in local restaurants, or in private homes.

Through this activity we invite people to join together in one of the world's oldest rituals - breaking bread together. It is a tremendous opportunity for fellowship and to promote peace. For even though the war may have been declared over years before, peace has not yet come to the people of the land. For the people, the war continues because this weapon has not been told to stop.

We have had a strong history of involvement with the United Church of Canada. Our association with the Eastminster United Church in Belleville, Ontario in late 2000 was described in a story in the United Church Observer. In fact, through partnership between the Church and the United Nations Association of Canada - Quinte Branch, the people in the Quinte area have worked with us on three projects, the first in Cambodia, the second in Bosnia, and the third in Afghanistan.

In 2002, the Powell River United Church in Powell River, British Columbia undertook a local fundraising campaign and cleared mines from O'Chrey Village, Cambodia. Read the article about Powell River United Church. Several Presbyterys' including Cumberland and Toronto West have undertaken significant efforts.

We encourage you to join with us.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO HOST A DINNER In the registration process you may select United Church of Canada so that specific project work can be undertaken in the name of the church.