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The Culture, Spirituality, and Theology of Peace Project (CSTP) lays the groundwork for self-sufficient sustainable peace and development. By reinforcing positive principles and values, and promoting interchange among grassroots leaders, it unlocks and focuses the local resources necessary for lasting life, happiness, liberty, and prosperity. Thus, it fulfills its purpose of supporting local efforts in Mesoamerica to build economically and environmentally sustainable communities. The CSTP Project began in Fall 2002. Since then, it has gained momentum as participating organizations and individuals from Panama to New York have taken the initiative and begun investing their time and resources in the project. Groups as diverse as the Jewish community in New York, Mayan Indians in Guatemala, the Episcopal Church of El Salvador, and peasant cooperatives in Panama are applying what they have learned through the CSTP to strengthen their communities. The Culture, Spirituality, and Theology of Peace critically analyzes society's political and economic conditions and structures within the context of cultural, spiritual, and theological values. That analysis leads the individual and community beyond understanding to a deep inner commitment to build peace according to their principles, values, and ethical and moral behaviors that have as a final goal the protection and growth of life. At the same time and with equal importance, the CSTP permits the study of cultural, spiritual, and religious differences while teaching respect for diversity. Within the region's religions, cultures, and spiritual traditions rest the roots of building a just, healthy, and prosperous society from the grassroots. In addition to building solidarity within Mesoamerica, the peoples of Mesoamerica and North America need to build a positive relationship. While relationships based on wealth and power create division, hate, and violence, relationships based on principles, values, and solidarity unite people in sister and brotherhood as part of a universal human race. The CSTP Project seeks to reinforce these positive principles and values, which are present in the religious and spiritual traditions of these peoples. The Culture, Spirituality, and Theology of Peace Project What is the Spirituality of Peace? What is the Theology of Peace? |