We want peace
“We Want Peace” isn’t just a song title. It’s a call. A prayer. And a mission. We wrote this song because we don’t believe that violence can be the solution to our problems. “War is Contrary to the Will of God”, wrote the World Council of Churches in 1948 after the end of World War II. We believe that we should remember this message more than ever today, especially we Mennonites, who stand in a peace church tradition, and our voices are now needed.
The trilingual song expresses a bit of the international identity of the worldwide Mennonite community. Performing the song with a large international choir of over 80 singers at the Grossmünster in Zurich for the 500th anabaptist anniversary was a deeply moving and identity-strengthening experience for us as songwriters.
The verse (in German and French) says:
It’s time to rise again and look to the future with hope.
To approach one another, and where there are enemies, reject the sword.
Set out on your journey, take the blessing with you wherever you go.
Commit yourself to peace!
A deeper reflection on the song can be found on our blog in German.
Music & Lyrics: Dennis Thielmann © 2021 / French translation: Marie-Noëlle Yoder
Arr: Dennis Thielmann & Karin Franz © 2025
www.songsofpeace.ch
Permission granted to MWC member churches for congregational use for Peace Sunday and Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday.
For permissions for ongoing use or in larger group gatherings, see www.songsofpeace.ch/songs/wewantpeace or contact info@songsofpeace.ch
We will make no peace with oppression
Summary of lyrics
We will make no peace with oppression.
Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. We will stand against the violence of every form.
We will march in the streets (“no justice; no peace”). On and on with thy neighbour ‘til we all stand free.
We won’t turn away from the pain of our brothers, cries of our sisters, grieving of our mothers. We won’t turn away from destructive politicians, overflowing prisons, corruption in our systems.
Almighty God, help us not to be afraid; give us your strength.
CCLI Song # 7158502
Latifah Alattas | Liz Vice | Paul Zach
© 2020 Integrity’s Alleluia! Music; Paul Zach Publishing; Porter’s Gate Publications
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
