Project Ploughshares Celebrates 50 Years

For half a century, Project Ploughshares has served as an independent research institute and advocacy organization in Canada dedicated to peace, disarmament, and nonviolence. Founded in 1976 by Ernie Regehr under the Mennonite Central Committee, the organization arose from a startling observation: nations were diverting vast resources toward militarization at the direct expense of human and environmental needs.

Fifty years later, that core concern remains as urgent as ever.

Mark Vander Vennen, an appointed representative of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) on the management committee of Project Ploughshares, explained why this ecumenical witness continues to be vital.

“Here is a faith-based Christian witness in the public square advocating for peace, and never has this voice been more needed than now,” said Vander Vennen, who attends Grace CRC in Cobourg, Ont. “You can just look around at the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Iran, and ongoing wars in the Congo, Ethiopia, and other emerging global threats. There is such rapid militarization happening today. I am delighted that we have a compelling, research-based Christian voice that is being heard in the public square among decision-makers in Canada and internationally at the United Nations.”

Deep CRC Roots and Ecumenical Partnership

Project Ploughshares operates as the peace research institute of the Canadian Council of Churches. Its work is governed by a diverse management committee made up of representatives from various Christian traditions—including Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Mennonite, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Christian Reformed.

The CRCNA’s official relationship as a sponsoring denomination was formalized in 2006, following specific recommendations adopted by synod from the report of its Committee to Study War and Peace (Agenda for Synod 2006, pp. 381-452). However, the connection runs even deeper. Over the years, leaders from the CRC have played central roles in Project Ploughshares's leadership, including Rev. Bruce Adema (former director of Canadian Ministries for the CRCNA), who served for six years as chair of the management committee, and Peter Noteboom, former general secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches.

“That ecumenical partnership is in the DNA of Project Ploughshares,” Vander Vennen said. “Various church traditions are all united by the gospel’s appeal for peace. It’s a reciprocal relationship, and it's mutually beneficial in terms of witness to the gospel.”

Peacebuilding in Practice

This ecumenical synergy was put into action following Synod 2006, when the CRC Centre for Public Dialogue collaborated directly with Project Ploughshares, KAIROS, and the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) to address peacebuilding in Canadian foreign policy during the war in Afghanistan. 

Drawing on research and direct listening sessions with Afghan communities and ground-level nongovernmental organizations, the coalition authored a landmark parliamentary brief advocating for peacebuilding, local dialogue with community elders, and diplomatic reconciliation. 

“Effective advocacy is a team sport,” said Mike Hogeterp, former director of the Centre for Public Dialogue. “In these listening exercises, we learned of deep cultural resources for peace. . . . Our team brought research excellence, a long commitment to peacebuilding, and advocacy experience to the development of a brief for a parliamentary standing committee studying and shaping plans for Canada's role in Afghanistan.”

Research That Shapes Policy

Throughout its history, Project Ploughshares has grounded its advocacy in rigorous, authentic research. One of its most notable contributions is the creation and maintenance of the Canadian Military Industry Database, making Ploughshares the leading independent voice monitoring Canada's international arms sales.

Project Ploughshares’ data regularly informs major news outlets such as the Globe and Mail, as well as Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence, holding government policies accountable to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

Looking ahead, Project Ploughshares is at the forefront of two critical emerging global issues:

1. AI and autonomous weapons: Project Ploughshares researchers lead international multilateral coalitions advocating for strict regulations on artificial intelligence and autonomous technology in military applications.
2. Space security: Project Ploughshares is recognized globally as a leading voice advocating against the weaponization of outer space, working directly with governments and the United Nations.

Getting Involved: The 50th Anniversary Gala

As Project Ploughshares marks its 50-year milestone, local CRC congregations and individual members are invited to engage with its work through advocacy, prayer, and financial support.

A major celebration and fundraising event—the 50th Anniversary Gala—will take place on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 (International Day of Peace), at Federation Hall at the University of Waterloo (Ont.). The evening will feature a keynote address from Lloyd Axworthy, former Canadian minister of foreign affairs and global peace advocate.

The gala is intended to serve as a celebration of five decades of ministry and as a fundraiser to build Project Ploughshares' Future Fund, securing a sustainable foundation for peace research for decades to come. “Come and celebrate this gospel-driven witness to peace, give thanks to God for it, and help sustain it for the next 50 years,” said Vander Vennen. Learn more and find tickets.