By Sr. Sheila Campbell, MMM                        Ireland                             11.11.2026

Recently I came across a Statement made by Irish Missionary Societies on the Nigerian Civil War back in 1969.  To be honest, I was taken aback. Take out the bit about “Nigerian Civil War” and it is a good guiding principle for the work of all missionaries in any time of conflict. And yes, the world has many conflict situations today!!  Let me share part of it:

“As missionaries we are committed to serving the spiritual and human needs of all our people. At this tragic moment the emphasis in the distressed areas must be on human service – feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, providing for the orphans and homeless. In this work we co-operate to the fullest extent with local, state, national and international humanitarian agencies.

We appeal for prayers that a just and lasting peace may soon return.

We appeal for continued and increased aid for the alleviation of hunger, distress and suffering in all parts.

While reaffirming that we, as missionaries, neither wish nor consider it our function to pass political judgement on the present complex situation, we appeal to our fellow Christians and all others, in the interest of the people we serve, to show a proper respect for truth.

We acknowledge the responsibility of the Church for moral guidance, a responsibility shared by the local hierarchy, and indeed by all the local religious leaders. Therefore, we appeal most urgently and earnestly to all sides, in the name of our common humanity and our vocation to Christian service, to take some immediate and practical steps towards peace and reconciliation.”

“Some practical and immediate steps” – I love that. It bypasses all the social media pressure and political grandstanding. Let’s bring it on – for peace in our world today!