Pillars for Peace

Every year I receive information about the Global Peace Index, a ranking of 162 countries from around the world using a number of criteria to establish a "portrait of peace" (my term) for each of them. For the third year in a row and the fourth in five years Canada ranked 8th, which should be a reminder to us of our many blessings and also evoke gratitude for what we often take for granted.  To give a reference point, Canada is one of three countries in North America and the United States ranks 100th, while Mexico is in the 130's.

The index suggests that the world is a less peaceful place than a year ago with greater internal conflict in a number of countries, Syria being a prime example. The world has become more murderous as well, with a growing number of homicides, although this is not the case in Canada.

-The top three most peaceful countries are Iceland, Denmark and New Zealand. Small and stable democracies make up the top ten most peaceful countries.
-With a newly elected government and a steady recovery from the 2011 turmoil, Libya had the biggest improvement in peace score since last year.
-The three least peaceful countries are Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria.
Syria’s score dropped by the largest margin, with the biggest ever score deterioration in the history of the GPI.

The report speaks of the eight "Pillars for Peace" the foundational elements of peaceful societies. They include: Well-functioning government; Sound business environment; Equitable distribution of resources; Acceptance of the rights of others; Good relations with neighbours; Free flow of information; High levels of human capital; Low levels of corruption.

I suppose that both freedom of religion and the lack of sectarian, religious violence would fit into "acceptance of the right of others."

Once again the GPI reminds us of the importance of praying and acting for global peace, as individuals, faith communities, and as a nation. We also have a responsibility as Christians to do everything possible to promote dialogue rather than suspicion between religious groups.

Any comments about this Peace Index? Do you find such exercises helpful in giving a context for world peace? Obviously I do because I keep blogging about it each year!