Pax Christi's International Assembly opens in Bethlehem - 1

Group from UK Pat Gaffney with flowers, writer Ellen Teague 2nd from right

Pope Francis and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, were among those sending messages of support to Pax Christi International's Global Assembly which opened this evening in Bethlehem. Founded in 1945, Pax Christi is celebrating its 70th anniversary, taking the theme, 'Pilgrims on the Path to Peace'.

Around 160 representatives of Pax Christi member organisations and partners from five continents heard Pope Francis send "cordial greetings" and assure the gathering of his "spiritual closeness". Ban Ki-moon's warm message said, "Let us use the occasion of your noble anniversary to remind ourselves to keep pushing, together, for nonviolence and a weapons-free world" and "I count on your commitment and the continued leadership of Pax Christi International in this worthy pursuit". This message was delivered by Elizabeth Begley, Pax Christi International's representative to the United Nations in New York. The World Council of Churches' message thanked Pax Christi for its active participation in the WCC Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum, especially the World Week of Peace in Palestine and Israel, commending "the long pursuit of justice in the Middle East and other regions."

Welcomes were given in person by Michael Sabbah, Patriarch Emeritus of Jerusalem and a former president of Pax Christi, and Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem, sent a video message since he is currently in Rome for the canonisation of two Palestinian nuns this coming weekend. The latter reflected that, "your coming means a lot to us" and "we need your cooperation to create the peace we are longing for in the Holy Land". A representative of Bethlehem's City Council offered a welcome from "the world capital of the Nativity and of Christmas", and, in a reference to the Israeli barrier wall constructed around Bethlehem, called for "the demolition of walls of hatred and segregation."

Co-President of Pax Christi International Marie Dennis reported that the assembly was being held in Bethlehem "to be in solidarity with the people of Bethlehem". The programme would be looking at the local reality of life in Palestine and then link with global peace issues closely related to the mission of Pax Christi. She lamented that her co-president - Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg in South Africa - could not be present because of illness and that Pax Christi International's Brussels-based General Secretary, José Henríquez, was prevented from entering Israel with no reason given. "The hole is gaping" she said, "but they are with us in spirit".

José Henríquez sent a video message highlighting the presence of Pax Christi in many countries and valued partner organisations, ranging from Bethleham's Arab Educational Institute, to the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns to the Salesian Sisters - around 115 groups in all. He also reflected: "If you are imagining that I would love to be there with you now, you are absolutely right! However, due to what I consider disrespectful processes and arbitrary decisions from Israeli migration officials, I will not be able to do it. It is sad, but I am living this experience in deep solidarity with the Palestinian people. This is only a small part of what they have to experience when they are denied access to Israel for medical care, family reunions, and even for religious celebrations."

Pat Gaffney, General Secretary of Pax Christi UK, was honoured for 25 years of service with a special presentation. Applause echoed around the room from Australians, Brazilians, Burundians, Canadians and many other nationalities in a truly international gathering.

For further report and message texts see: www.paxchristi.net