Advertisement Messenger PublicationsMessenger Publications Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Liverpool: Pax Christi AGM


Bshop McMahon with Pax Team

Bshop McMahon with Pax Team

" To be as wise as serpents and gentle as doves” in our communication and campaigning for peace and nonviolence was the challenge set out by Symon Hill, guest speaker at Pax Christi's Annual General Meeting in Liverpool on Saturday, 24 May. Symon, an activist and writer (Digital Revolutions Activism in the Internet Age) spoke of the power of creativity and surprise in the nonviolent challenge to power and systems of violence and injustice: from the First World War COs who subverted the military communication system to convey to the world that they were being moved to France for execution to the Israelis and Iranians who used Facebook to tell their governments that 'Israel loves Iran ' and Iran loves Israel' - giving voice to thousands of ordinary citizens. The use of social media and the internet does not replace traditional forms of campaigning, dissent or witness but can add value to it and reach new people with the peace challenge of the Gospel.

Around 80 people attended the meeting, held in the Catholic Chaplaincy and co-hosted by Pax Christi Liverpool. Also attending were newly elected Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, President of Pax Christi, who celebrated Mass and Jose Henrique, international secretary of Pax Christi from Brussels.

Opening the meeting Pax Christi chair Anne Dodd stated that the teaching from the Sermon on the Mount to Pope Francis is clear and consistent and Pax Christi’s work is to do all that is possible to build that peace, involving everyone we can, wherever we can. Reports from staff illustrated how this is happening. In the first four months of the year Pax Christi had recruited 35 new members and donations for Peace Sunday has exceeded that of 2013. There is great demand for publications and resources, not just among members but from other organisations and networks. The office and members around the country have organised imaginative events to mark the Global Day of Action on Military Spending and took a lead in co-ordinating the No Faith in Trident speaking tour with Bruce Kent which will culminate in a Lobby of Parliament on 11 June.
Most recently Pax Christi played a key role in bringing families of 70 First World War COs to London for International Conscientious Objector Day which attracted huge national and regional press interest.

Anne Dodd reminded members that we cannot be complacent. While we still have a nuclear weapons policy, while we are still engaged in the arms trade we need to work to encourage our church leaders to be clear in speaking out, reflecting Gospel values and church teaching.

Three new people were elected to the Executive Committee, Chris Cole from Oxford, Helen Gilbert from Birmingham and Holly Ball from London. Thanks were given to those standing down: Treasurer John Dowbekin, and Michael Mitchell and Sr Christine Charlwood.

Adverts

The Passionists

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon