Peace Catalyst International in Norwich

Introducing Phil Gazley the program director for Peace Catalyst International in Norwich

In this article Dr Ian Watson, County Ecumenical Officer for Norfolk and Waveney, interviews Phil Gazley from Peace Catalyst International to introduce himself and say something about his organisation.   Look out for future collaboration opportunities between Churches Together in Norfolk and Waveney (NWCT) and Peace Catalyst Norwich around the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2025.

Peace Catalyst International (PCI) are Jesus-followers on a mission to help Christians be better peace builders.  Their aim is to partner with neighbours for more thriving communities. They believe Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that God’s mission is to establish holistic, just peace that brings flourishing in all dimensions of life. This is how they understand the biblical concept of “shalom,” and they believe the Church’s job is to embody and live out that shalom now.

Ian: Phil, before we get into Peace Catalyst can you say a little about yourself and background.  I mean how did an Essex boy with a funny accent end up in Norwich via Canada, California and many other international destinations?

Phil: I often get asked, where are you from in Australia? Because yes, I was born in Essex but I lived in Canada and in the United States for 27 years. It's strange how when you mix Essex and American together, it tends to sound Aussie. I had a conversion experience to Christianity when I was touring across Canada in a band. After spending some time in England, I went back to Canada to a missionary training school. It was there I met my wife, Caren. For the next nine years my time was spent in both Canada and Mexico. My main areas of ministry during that time were campus ministry at the University of Calgary and church unity projects. In the late 80’s, early 90’s Calgary had a special season of large-scale ecumenical projects.

We went on from there to start a Church in Cornwall. We had a fruitful membership of Churches Together there. In 2000 we moved to Colorado and for most of the next 10 years I worked with refugees and asylum seekers. This led me into anti human trafficking work. Initially, I raised awareness in churches. I helped with labour trafficking situations. I became a law enforcement trainer and was also a research assistant.

In 2010, we moved to California for family reasons. There, I co-founded the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking. This was a coalition of about 50 organisations that came together to combat human trafficking in Kern County, California. During that time, I also worked in a trafficking prevention programme for at risk youth including youth in the foster care system. I finally took a sabbatical, which I should have taken earlier. This was one of the key factors in us moving to Norwich along with the needs of my family. 

Ian: So, what is Peace Catalyst, how did it come about, and how has its mission evolved over the years?

Phil: In 2021. We were invited by a friend to do an ‘Introduction to Christian Peacebuilding Course’ With Peace Catalyst (PCI). I was excited by the course and its ideas and felt that it was a more honest reflection of the nature of my work than my previous situation. Peace Catalyst Norwich is a registered charity that is an affiliate of Peace Catalyst International. Peace Catalyst originally was just based in the United States and specialised in Christian Muslim relations.

This is still an important part of our work, but about four years ago, we realised that much of what we have learned in that area can apply to other situations. So, we widened the net in terms of the nature of the work we do. We are now based in 12 countries. The focus of our work varies from place to place, but the overall thing is bringing people together across lines of difference through understanding, connecting, and collaborating. Here in Norwich, our priorities are the development of community safety, bringing people together in terms of interfaith and also in wider communities through events, listening groups, courses and sometimes through conflict resolution and mediation. We also do debrief work and spiritual support for fellow workers and people serving vulnerable communities.

Ian: As the County Ecumenical Officer, it so rewarding to be part of the ecumenical effort across Norfolk and Waveney.  Walking together with our brothers and sisters in Christ, building relationships and learning from the diverse Christian traditions across our beautiful county is a gift and a real joy. However, and I do not know if you would agree, when working across traditional boundaries (especially when they are hard) there are also some frustrations that can at times make it feel like tough work even when driven by the Spirit. You certainly need patience, resilience and a receptive openness. That aside, how do you see ecumenism and how does it relate to your work in Peace Catalyst?

Phil: I find it interesting that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and people that love their enemies and He calls these people “children of God”. What does this say about Gods heart? Most of my biggest joys and challenges have been in ecumenical efforts. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says “A new commandment I give you, love one another”. Jesus also prays, “That they may be one, that the world may know”. I find it both sad and challenging that I heard more about finishing a task on the mission field than I heard the words “Love one another that they may be one that the world may know”.

I was very fortunate as a young, Christian to have the privilege of preaching in a Catholic Church in Mexico City. It was a precious experience that was a launchpad for a life of seeking to bring unity in the Church.
There is a famous story/myth about a missionary in South America on a hike by himself. God speaks to him and says ‘I want you to work with the local Catholics’. The man looks up at God and says. ‘God, I can't do that. I don't believe in their theology’. God speaks back to the man and says,’ I don't believe in yours, so go do what I tell you’.
In Psalm 43 truth is translated as faithful care. Not exactly a description of absolutes. Peace is mentioned over 400 times in the scriptures. What does that look like? Churches working together in a commitment to listen, to learn and to love.

Ian: Thinking specifically about Christian unity in Norfolk and Waveney, how can Peace Catalyst help our local churches and Churches Together groups in their mission? 

Phil: We can offer training in running community events (preferably ones with food!), Scriptural Reasoning, our Introduction to Christian Peacebuilding, Peacebuilding and Theology, Peacebuilding and Trauma Awareness, and Community Peacebuilding. Also, inner peacebuilding work through silence, contemplative prayer and Lectio Divina. 

Ian: We’ve talked about the exciting opportunities for Peace Catalyst and NWCT working together to further encourage and support Christian unity across Norfolk.  One idea is to put on some study and social action opportunities during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  What do you have in mind? 

Phil: I appreciate the potential opportunities and would suggest the following options,

• A mini-introduction to Christian Peacebuilding  Course
• A discussion group on the wider meanings of Shalom
• A discussion on how we can pray across lines of difference in Jesus’ name
• A discussion on the types of community peacebuilding we can do together across lines of difference 

Ian: Fantastic, I look forward to collaborating with you on an initiative to be run during next year’s Week of Prayer for Christian unity – so watch this space!  Also, both you and I agree that across the county we could do more to engage younger people in ecumenism.  What is your view on this and why do you think it is important?

Phil: I would suggest that it is the most important thing we need to work on if we want the church in general to thrive. Young adults that I have worked with over the years do not often see things that they wish to replicate in the individualistic faith of others and also in churches that are protectionist in nature. I suggest that this means that in the midst of us using all of God’s gifts for mission and church life, we need to also give significant space to living out a theology of peace and the common good.

Ian: Finally, how do people get in touch with you if they wish to learn more about the work you do? 

Phil: I would really welcome people contacting me.The best way to get in touch is by emailing me at:

phil.gazley@peacecatalyst.org
 
Ian: Phil, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I’m really excited about the prospect of collaboration between Peace Catalyst and NWCT.  I look forward to putting in place more opportunities to enhance our ecumenical efforts across this great County in order to serve our Lord and local communities.
 
Photo: Phil Gazley courtesy of PCI