There is No Peace That Can Be Brought to Earth Through the Barrel of a Gun

by. Shepherd Munikwa

My name is Shepherd Munikwa, a Zimbabwean currently living in New Brunswick, Canada, where I serve as the Minister for Justice, Mission, and Outreach for The United Church of Canada East. I was born and raised within the Reformed tradition. My vocation and academic journey are rooted in a lifelong commitment to justice, peacebuilding, and the healing of divided communities.

On May 24, 2026, I graduated with a Master of Peace and Justice from the Jim Forest Institute for Peace and Justice at St. Stephen’s University in New Brunswick, Canada, in collaboration with the Bethlehem Institute of Peace and Justice at Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, Palestine.

My thesis explored: “Palestinian Liberation Theology as a Justice-Oriented Response to Palestinian Colonization, Displacement, and Apartheid.”

As both a “colonial survivor” and a “colonial firebrand,” my life has been shaped by the struggle against domination and injustice. Growing up during Zimbabwe’s War of Liberation; a violent conflict between British colonial powers and African freedom fighters; I witnessed firsthand the tragedy of war, people turning against one another, communities torn apart, and violence carried out in the name of politics. These early experiences left deep scars, yet they did not lead me to hatred. Instead, they awakened in me an unshakable passion for peace grounded in justice.

My call to pastoral ministry has always been a call to justice. Inspired by the restorative and redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ, I am committed to the work of healing and building the Beloved Community. The words of Matthew 9:35–38, where Jesus looks with compassion upon the weary and oppressed and calls for more laborers in the harvest, continue to guide my ministry.

I firmly believe that we transform conflict and build just societies by understanding our differences, listening deeply, and engaging honestly across divides.

My guiding motto is simple yet life-giving: “There is no peace that can be brought to earth through the barrel of a gun, but only by sitting around the table, deepening our understanding of the ‘other,’ pulling down the walls that divide us, and building bridges that connect us.” True peace can never be won through fighting, but only through dialogue, compassion, understanding, and reconciliation.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to each of you, staff, faculty, and fellow students for accompanying me throughout this wonderful academic journey. It has truly been a meaningful and transformative season of learning, growth, and discovery. During this time, I had the privilege of encountering new theological perspectives, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and deepening my understanding of peace and justice; subjects that are very close to my heart. Your teaching, wisdom, guidance, leadership, and companionship along the way have greatly enriched both my academic and personal journey.

Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and the passion you brought to every lecture, conversation, and interaction. Your insights challenged me to think more deeply, broaden my perspectives, and grow both intellectually and spiritually. I am sincerely grateful for the knowledge and experiences you shared so generously.

It was also a great joy and honor to finally meet many of you in person in May 2026 at the graduation ceremony at St. Stephen’s University. Those moments of fellowship and connection made this journey even more memorable and meaningful.

As we continue in service and ministry, I pray that God will continue to bless each of you abundantly in all your endeavors. May He strengthen and guide you as you continue shaping lives and inspiring lovers of justice around the world through your dedication and commitment to peace and justice.

I will always cherish the lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the inspiration you have given me. I hope our paths will continue to cross as we serve the Lord and work together toward peace, justice, and compassion in our beloved world.

With gratitude and blessings,

Rev. Dr. Shepherd Munikwa

Minister for Justice, Mission, and OutreachThe United Church of Canada

East New Brunswick, Canada