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Houghton and Hancock to become International Cities of Peace

On Tuesday, Oct. 12, Houghton and Hancock will become International Cities of Peace according to an announcement shared by Keweenaw Faiths United which spearheaded the application with the support of both cities and their Rotary Clubs, along with endorsements from many residents.

The application to be Cities of Peace, a project of Keweenaw Faiths United highlighted international students and faculty at both Michigan Tech and Finlandia University; The Parade of Nations, Heikinpaiva, and other international events; Hancock’s sister city, Porvoo, Finland; International Neighbors; Rotary Exchange Students and more, as evidence of the diversity of our community.

Facilitating peace initiatives, fostering hospitality and inclusivity, and being a welcoming community are the focus of group. It was spearheaded by members, Bucky Beach and Miriam Pickens and includes peacemaking, bridge building, and celebrating diversity.

Keweenaw Faiths United (KFU) was formed in 2019 to respond to racism, anti-Semitism and intolerance in our community. It is an interdenominational group whose mission is “A faith-based effort to promote respect for all people in our community.”

Programming included the following: In January 2020, the event “Connecting Across Spiritual Boundaries: Our Search for Beloved Community” celebrated Martin Luther King Day. “Keeping Disagreement Civil” in October 2020 was a Zoom meeting with local law enforcement discussing gun violence. Lawn signs “Many Faiths, One Community” were distributed. Members marched in the Parade of Nations with a banner stating “One World, One People.”

International Cities of Peace states that it “is an association of citizens, governments and organizations who have established their communities as official Cities of Peace. Every community has a legacy of peace, whether it is by a historical event or by a local peace heroes or groups who have contributed to their citizen’s safety, prosperity and quality of life.

No city is 100% a city of peace, rather all are on the path to “becoming” a more peaceful city. Establishing a community as a peace city recognizes past achievements, encourages current initiatives, and inspires future generations for practical peace building.”

The websites for more information about Keweenaw Faiths United and International Cities of Peace can be found here and here.

For further information contact Pastor Bucky Beach at Good Shepherd Luther Church, Houghton. 482-5410 or bsbeach@mtu.edu

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