

Proclaim Peace
Faith Matters
Welcome to the Proclaim Peace podcast! Co-hosts Jennifer Thomas, Co-Executive Director at Mormon Women for Ethical Government and Patrick Mason, Professor at Utah State University, explore a peaceful reading of the Book of Mormon by talking with guest experts who show us how to create peace in turbulent times. Subscribe to the show on YouTube or your favorite listening app and follow along at https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/ for show notes and more resources.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 8, 2024 • 35min
Repairing the World: How Faith and Politics Can Coexist
In this special episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, Jennifer and Patrick share a recording of their recent presentation at the Faith Matters Restore gathering. They discuss the importance of applying principles of the gospel to foster peace in various aspects of life, from playgrounds to politics. The episode highlights the transformative power of active peacemaking and includes practical examples drawn from their experiences and their work. Join Jen and Patrick as they encourage listeners to embrace the call to be peacemakers in today's world. [00:01:46] Our mission in the world.[00:05:07] Power of small kindnesses.[00:08:44] Cultivating inner peace.[00:12:59] Community connections and relationships.[00:15:28] Building communities of commitment.[00:21:38] Christ-like approach to politics.[00:23:35] Peacemaking principles in politics.[00:30:06] Repairing the world together.[00:31:42] Repairers of the breach.For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peaceTo register for Repair, happening Oct 23 - 25th, 2025 in Provo, UT, go to https://waymakers.substack.com

Sep 24, 2024 • 59min
Weapons of Peace: Lessons from the Anti-Nephi-Lehies with David Pulsipher
In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are re-joined by professor David Pulsipher to explore the principles of peacemaking as taught in the Book of Mormon, with a special focus on two remarkable examples: Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. They discuss the significance of nonviolent peace builders throughout history, including figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, while emphasizing the unique lessons learned from the Anti-Nephi-Lehies' story. Tune in as they delve into the scriptures to highlight how these narratives can inspire and guide individuals on their own peacemaking journeys.[00:01:27] Anti-Nephi-Lehies as peace models.[00:04:51] Multi-generational effects of peace.[00:10:34] Defining peace through conflict transformation.[00:11:36] Love transforms wartime conflict.[00:17:36] Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ transformative story.[00:19:12] Conversion and peacemaking among Anti-Nephi-Lehies.[00:24:26] Flipping the script on conflict.[00:27:32] Christian pacifism vs. covenant making.[00:31:15] Weapons of peace.[00:34:24] Armed with love and prayer.[00:39:05] Spiritual victory in conflict.[00:42:56] Creative peacemaking solutions.[00:48:00] Nonviolence in resisting evil.[00:50:22] Higher way to defend.[00:55:05] Finding peace through Christ.For more show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peaceTo register for Repair, happening Oct 23 - 25th, 2025 in Provo, UT, go to https://waymakers.substack.com

5 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 4min
Navigating Inner Turmoil: How Personal Peace Fuels Global Change with Thomas McConkie
Thomas McConkie, an advocate for healing and peacemaking through mindfulness and divine connection, shares his insights on achieving personal peace in turbulent times. He discusses the urgent need to cultivate inner tranquility to affect global change. The conversation touches on meditation as a pathway to self-acceptance, the balance between contemplation and action, and the significance of recognizing our inherent worthiness. McConkie also draws on teachings from the Book of Mormon to illustrate how inner peace can ripple out to transform societal issues.

6 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 10min
Lessons from Nehor and Korihor: Combating Misinformation in Modern Society with Julie Rose
Journalist Julie Rose joins to explore the notorious figures Nehor and Korihor from the Book of Mormon, likening them to today's misinformation and disinformation challenges. They discuss the profound impact of falsehoods on trust and community, especially in faith settings. Julie highlights the importance of media literacy and critical thinking as tools for peace. The conversation also dives into emotional manipulation in belief systems, emphasizing empathy and understanding as vital in combating deceitful messaging today.

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 5min
The Call for Peacemakers in a Polarized Political Environment with Judge Thomas Griffith
Judge Thomas Griffith, a respected figure in the judiciary, shares his insights on the delicate relationship between politics and peace. He explores the challenges posed by political polarization, emphasizing how election rhetoric disrupts harmony. Griffith advocates for active citizenship and respectful dialogue as pathways to understanding. He highlights the role of the Latter-day Saints in promoting unity and the vital importance of the rule of law in fostering societal flourishing. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to cultivate peace in their lives.

4 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 53min
Embracing the Baptismal Covenant: Insights from Peacemakers
Explore the transformative power of the baptismal covenant in Mosiah 18, calling individuals to be peacemakers. Discover how media can catalyze peace and the importance of mindful consumption. Delve into grassroots peacemaking in Fiji, focusing on empowering women amid climate change challenges. Learn the balance of empathy and honesty in nurturing personal relationships. Finally, understand the baptismal covenant's role in fostering unity through compassion, especially in addressing immigration tensions.

Jul 16, 2024 • 52min
The Holy Work of Peacemaking: Insights from Sarah Perkins
Sarah Perkins, a peacemaking advocate and expert on Abinadi, discusses true prophet messages of redemption, effective conflict management, and speaking truth to power. The podcast explores peacemaking, addressing injustice, and fighting for justice while navigating values and courage in activism.

Jul 2, 2024 • 59min
Navigating Factions and Fraying Societies: A Message of Hope with Eva Witesman
Join Eva Witesman in discussing hope and peace-building strategies, defining peace at various levels, and building peace through understanding and pluralism. Explore paradigm shifts in social impact, engaging in peacemaking online, and transformative readings of the Book of Mormon for personal peace.

Jun 18, 2024 • 54min
Building Bridges Through Dialogue: Lessons from Zeniff and Ammon with Becca Kearl
Exploring the theme of peacemaking through the lens of the Book of Mormon, hosts Jennifer and Patrick are joined by the Executive Director of Living Room Conversations, Becca Kearl, and delve into the story of Zeniff from Mosiah 9. Starting with a mission of aggression, Zeniff's preconceived notions about the Lamanites and Nephites are challenged as he confronts the complexities of the situation. The episode discusses the power of narratives in shaping our perceptions and the importance of reevaluating our ingrained stories to cultivate peace.[00:01:41] The power of narratives.[00:05:57] Defining peace as a process.[00:09:27] The power of dialogue.[00:12:30] Curiosity and dialogue in conflicts.[00:15:30] Curiosity and sincere interactions.[00:19:36] Human beings as storytelling creatures.[00:25:25] National narratives and cultural impact.[00:27:42] Empathy through shared narratives.[00:32:35] Empathy and understanding in dialogue.[00:34:20] Dialogue and shared values.[00:39:33] Sharing personal experiences to connect.[00:42:21] Dialogue and building together.[00:45:22] Living doctrine through culture.[00:51:18] Finding peace in daily life.[00:52:28] Restored gospel conversations.For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peaceTo register for Repair, happening Oct 23 - 25th, 2025 in Provo, UT, go to https://waymakers.substack.com

Jun 4, 2024 • 53min
Empowering the Future: Healing Generational Trauma in Rwanda with Emile Kayitare
In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer and Patrick are joined by Emile Kayitare, founder of Rwanda’s Empower the Future, a non-profit supporting families affected by genocide. They discuss their favorite sermons in the Book of Mormon: the Sermon at the Temple and King Benjamin's address. They delve into the powerful impact these sermons had on their lives and highlight key passages that resonated with them. [00:02:42] Children's role in societal peace.[00:04:39] Rwandan genocide and reconciliation.[00:09:07] Genocide in Rwanda.[00:15:27] Divisive language and its impact.[00:20:45] Effects of violence on generations.[00:25:45] Rebuilding Lives Through Education.[00:30:33] Caring for children in society.[00:35:15] Reading history with the Book of Mormon lens.[00:40:40] Justice and reconciliation process.[00:43:55] Forgiveness and reconciliation after prison.[00:49:47] Finding peace through helping others.For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peaceTo register for Repair, happening Oct 23 - 25th, 2025 in Provo, UT, go to https://waymakers.substack.com