
Proclaim Peace
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.
Latest episodes

4 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 52min
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 • 51min
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 • 57min
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 • 53min
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 donate to the production of Season 2 of the show, visit https://c3.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/secure/cause_pdetails/MjMyODc5

Jun 4, 2024 • 52min
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 donate to the production of Season 2 of the show, visit https://c3.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/secure/cause_pdetails/MjMyODc5

May 21, 2024 • 49min
The Journey to Peace: Nurturing Attachment to God with Annie Bentley Waddoups
Annie Bentley Waddoups, an expert in scriptures and attachment theory, discusses nurturing attachment to God through scriptures like 2 Nephi and Jacob. They explore topics such as transforming trauma into peace, Jacob's leadership qualities, and the healing power of atonement.

May 7, 2024 • 57min
From Division to Unity: The Journey to Anti-Racism with Michalyn Steele
In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, Jennifer and Patrick delve into the crucial topic of racism and its impact on peace. They emphasize how racism hinders personal and societal peace and discuss the importance of eradicating it to progress towards positive peace. Drawing from the Book of Mormon, they make a compelling case that racism is incompatible with building Zion and highlight the necessity of eliminating it for a harmonious society. Tune in to explore how addressing racism is fundamental to becoming better peacemakers.[00:01:41] Racism impacts building of Zion.[00:04:02] Race and reconciliation in scripture.[00:09:11] Defining peace and repose.[00:14:33] Identity complexities and cohesion.[00:16:54] The Tree of Peace.[00:20:35] Racial identity in religious texts.[00:25:34] Generational sins and racism.[00:29:33] Forgiveness and peace through music.[00:36:33] Positive impact of rooting out racism.[00:40:24] Racialized view of the world.[00:45:31] Bearing witness with humility.[00:48:19] Engaging beyond social media bubbles.[00:52:07] Wrestling with paradoxes.[00:55:27] Spiritual gift from the Savior.For more show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peaceTo donate to the production of Season 2 of the show, visit https://c3.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/secure/cause_pdetails/MjMyODc5

Apr 23, 2024 • 56min
Peacemaking Within and Across Religious Traditions with Eboo Patel
Eboo Patel discusses the inevitability of religious conflicts and the importance of handling them productively. They explore God's diverse messages through scripture and the role of interfaith cooperation in promoting civic peace. The podcast emphasizes embracing diversity in activism and finding common ground in faith.

18 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 57min
Active Peacemaking: Following Christ's Example with Chad Ford
Chad Ford, a religious studies and theology expert, discusses conflict transformation and peacemaking in the Book of Mormon's 2 Nephi. They touch on the essence of 'Aloha', peaceful conflict resolution, loving enemies, practical peace building strategies, and the significance of vulnerability and transformation in active peace building.

15 snips
Mar 26, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Art of Conflict Styles: Navigating Relationships with Grace with Emily Taylor
Expert in conflict resolution, Emily Taylor, discusses transforming conflict into growth, conflict resolution styles, and negotiating effectively. The podcast challenges the idea that peace and conflict are opposites, emphasizing the role of opposition in achieving peace.