SCM Canada is pleased to announce our newly hired National Coordinator Peter Haresnape, starting this summer as current National Coordinator Sarah takes her leave.
Peter is originally from the UK, where he studied English Literature at the University of Stirling. During that time he began to read about Christian Pacifism and Anarchism, and became involved in direct action against nuclear weapons. He first encountered the SCM in the UK at a camp in 2008 protesting a new coal-fired power plant, and discovered the joy of Taize prayer and sharing communion as political action.
In 2010, Peter came to Toronto to work with Christian Peacemaker Teams, with the Indigenous Peoples Solidarity project. His team has worked to support the campaigns of several First Nations to resist destructive resource extraction projects and assert Indigenous sovereignty. When not ‘on site’, the team works with schools and churches on education, reconciliation and solidarity-building programs. This includes participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Idle No More and leading short-term delegations to Grassy Narrows First Nation to learn about their history of resistance to logging without consent and mercury poisoning of their waters.
During his time in Turtle Island Peter has worked alongside the SCM to put on various events, including the Cahoots festival, the Lenten Open Mic Night, and the upcoming Turning Tables retreat for young adults. He is excited about continuing to work on these and similar collaborations, to explore and share the Good News of liberation and justice in today’s world.
Peter lives with his husband Ken, some wonderful housemates, and a variety of guests at the CPT house in Toronto, part of the historic Catholic Worker community. He is a member of Toronto United Mennonite Church where he serves as a Sunday School teacher and part of the preaching team.
You can contact Peter by emailing peter@scmcanada.org or calling the office at (416) 463-7622