Nonviolence Days of Action

Theresa Alessandro, director of Pax Christi, writes: Nonviolence Days of Action runs until Friday 2nd October. At Pax Christi we are celebrating nonviolence, sharing stories and working to understand better how to make active nonviolence our way of life.

Pope Francis calls us to live differently when we emerge from the pandemic. He says, 'Let us not be afraid to dream big, seeking the ideals of justice and social love that are born of hope. Let us not try to rebuild the past - the past is the past. New things await us. The Lord promised: "I will make all things new". …. especially the past that was unjust and already ill …. Let us build a future where the local and global dimensions mutually enrich each other - everyone can contribute, everyone has to contribute their share, their culture, their philosophy, their way of thinking.'

The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, in its Appeal to Pope Francis, describes it like this: 'Active nonviolence - a spirituality, a way of life and a program of societal action - is key to this global shift; … and to the future envisioned in Laudato Si'. The two hands of nonviolence speak clearly to this moment in history: "No" to the multidimensional violences that plague our world; "yes" to human dignity and respect for the integrity of creation.'

I invite you to consider joining Pax Christi at this significant time.

This is what a Pax Christi member said she appreciated about our recent online study sessions, 'Talking to other people to hear different perspectives and to be in solidarity with people, including those from abroad.'

We are using this time of online gatherings to bring together younger voices in Pax Christi. Aisling, our education worker, and Rachel, our Communications and Resources Officer, are working with a newer group who are beginning to share ideas and work together online. Get in touch if you would like to be part of that community.

We have another community opportunity on Facebook too. Members of the Pax Christi Community Group can post their thoughts and ideas directly to this group, inspiring and encouraging each other.

We have begun gathering from time to time for an online Members' Meeting in which members from around England & Wales can share their peace action plans and ideas, keeping each other informed and sparking new ways of putting peace into action. One member said after the last meeting, 'I think it is of great value just to air ideas and experience and may lead to great fruits.' It is also of great value being able to talk through plans we are making in the Pax Christi office so that members can directly influence those plans through their feedback.

Now is a great time to become a member of Pax Christi. We have a Direct Debit option for new members now so it is very easy! Click and see for yourself: https://tinyurl.com/PaxDirectDebit

LINKS

Pax Christi England and Wales: https://paxchristi.org.uk/
Catholic Nonviolence Initiative: https://nonviolencejustpeace.net/
Pax Christi International, our movement for peace, rooted in the Catholic Church: https://paxchristi.net/

Contact us info@paxchristi.org.uk