C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest

Each spring EMU students present original speeches reflecting on the Christian peace position in relation to a contemporary social concern. Come out March 26 at 7 p.m. in UC211-212 to support 2012 participants of the peace oratorical contest. Between speeches, which are eight to 10 minutes in length, enjoy light refreshment and music from student artists.

About the contest

The annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest, established in 1974 by the directors of the C. Henry Smith Trust, offers students an opportunity to discuss peacebuilding and social justice issues on campus. The intercollegiate competition is administered by the Peace and Justice Ministries of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). U.S. Students from every Mennonite and Brethren in Christ college in North America are eligible to participate.

C. Henry Smith was an American Mennonite historian and professor at Mennonite colleges and the University of Chicago. Overall, he taught history for nearly 50 years at the collegiate level. 1 He is well-known for his numerous books on Mennonite history and his particular attention to the peace commitments of the Mennonite tradition.

The first-place winner in the competition at EMU receives a $250 cash prize and entry in the intercollegiate competition. Participants may earn one hour of peacebuilding and development (PXD) course credit. Orations apply the Christian peace position to a contemporary concern without exceeding 1,500 words (eight to 10 minutes spoken word). Read contest guidelines for more info or submit your name as a contestant in the next contest.

EMU has participated in the event since 2003, with EMU students winning the grand prize at the bi-national level in 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2009. The contest is sponsored by EMU Bible & Religion, Language & Literature, and Peacebuilding & Development programs.

Read news coverage of the 2011 contest and news archive stories from previous years.

Online resources for orators

Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, Article 22
And No One Shall Make Them Afraid – Mennonite Church USA Statement
Fellowship of Reconciliation web site
Peace & Justice Support Network web site

Recent EMU winners

2011 Jessica Sarriot, Hold on, Together
2010 Jessica Sarriot, Peace Churches and War Profits: A Moment for Courage. Bi-national 2nd.
2009 Laura Cattell, Structural Violence in the U.S. Educational System. Also bi-national winner.
2008 Anna Engle, Called to True Pacifism
2007 Nicholas Stoddard, Connect the Dots. Also bi-national winner.
2005 Sharon Kniss, Engaging the Terrorists: A Discourse on Living with the Other
2004 Jeremy Yoder, Flooding Isengard: Why a Peace Church should be a Green Church. Also the bi-national winner.
2003 Zachury Kurtz, A Taxing Dilemma. Also bi-national winner.

*EMU did not participate in the competition in 2006.

1. Smith, C. Henry Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online.