PEACE FOR PEORIA

Westminster respects our neighbors of all faiths and their freedom to worship and to live peacefully, free from discrimination and prejudice.  In 2015, Westminster hosted a seminar entitled: “What Every Christian Should Know about Islam.” In attendance were several members of the Islamic community who, after the seminar, extended an invitation for Westminster members and friends to attend a seminar and luncheon at a local mosque.  To promote reconciliation and peace we must get to know our neighbors of different faiths.

In 2016, Westminster joined with three other local Presbyterian Churches (USA) to host a “Town Hall” Question and Answer event at the Peoria Civic Center. Over 700 people were in attendance.

In February 2018, Westminster hosted two seminars on the Palestinian- Israeli conflict, with the first being a pro-Palestinian speaker who recently traveled to Palestine and the second seminar led by a college professor who has been involved in a Central Illinois Peace Camp for American, Palestinian and Israeli youth.

Westminster strives to overcome prejudice with education, understanding, and hospitality.

“As a newcomer to Westminster,  I’ve found it to be a most welcoming fellowship.  I look forward to going to services and events and find the warmth of the congregation to be most helpful to a newcomer to the entire area.  I find sermons challenging … music beautiful and well prepared … and a dignity in the worship that is all too lacking in most Protestant congregations.  Mix this with an open atmosphere where it is OK to question and still be seen as a good Christian, and I know I’ve found one important ‘home’ in Central Illinois.”