Pax Christi's 'unique contribution to creating cultures of peace'

Pax Christi staff and executive

"Living in a time of war in Europe, and seeing the devastating consequences of the arms trade, militarism, nationalism and occupation, is a stark reminder of why Pax Christi came into being and why our work continues to be so important," reflected Ann Farr, Chair of Pax Christi England and Wales, at its AGM on Saturday.

"During the Russia-Ukraine war we have been in touch with peacemakers in both countries, listening to and sharing their stories, offering our solidarity and sharing in times of prayer with them," reported Ann.

She said Pax Christi continues to make links between peace and other issues, particularly climate change and the growing numbers of refugees.

The Church's peace organisation highlights that, "an immoral amount of money is being spent on weapons that kill and maim people, destroy their homes and means of making a living, denies them health care, education, shelter and water and prevents spending on alternative energy sources and caring for our environment."

Ann thanked National President Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool and the small team of staff, executives and volunteers who, "ensure that the peacemaking work of Pax Christi has continued under these unusual and demanding circumstances."

Archbishop Malcolm joined her in paying a warm tribute to Bruce Kent who died recently but who was normally at the AGM in his role as Vice-President. He particularly affirmed Bruce's work on disarmament which has been taken up by Pope Francis, who has also questioned the morally of holding nuclear weapons, as well as planning to use them. Ann highlighted Bruce's visits to schools, conferences, demonstrations, embassies and all manner of events, his letter writing and persistent campaigning. "We miss his presence, his questioning interest, his knowledge of history, his wealth of experience and of course his humour that never failed to lighten a gathering," she said, adding that "our love, condolences and assurance of our prayers go to Valerie and to all his family and friends."

Around 30 Pax Christi members were gathered in London, with another 30 participating online from many dioceses, including Birmingham, East Anglia, and Middlesbrough. Many had not met face to face for several years and chatting over a shared lunch was an affirming experience of the energy in the Pax Christi movement.

They heard about Pax Christi stalls at the July 2021 NJPN conference, the Root and Branch Synod in Bristol, and Westminster Cathedral on Hiroshima and Nagasaki Days. Also, knitted squares for banners destined for COP26 in Glasgow, organised vigils at arms fairs and commemorative services for International Women's Day and Franz Jägerstätter's anniversary. A number of successful webinars included one on 'Creation and Violence'.

Pax Christi International sent a message thanking Pax Christi England and Wales for its participation in the various international working groups - such as Israel-Palestine, the power of active nonviolence, and the Nuclear Ban Treaty - and for providing resources to educate the public about the roots of violence and injustice. Sr Wamũyũ Wachira (IBVM), Co-president of Pax Christi International, praised Bruce Kent's dedication to silencing weapons of mass destruction - mission which which "gave life to so many people" - and thanked members in England and Wales "for your immense and unique contribution to creating cultures of peace."

Education worker Aisling Griffin reported on visits to schools in five dioceses, organising Confirmation Retreats, workshops, online assemblies and running stalls at the national Conference for Catholic Teachers of RE. She contributed to a video for Inter-Faith Week and is a co-chair of the Peace Education Network. Valerie Flessati was thanked for producing the 'Just Peace' newsletter which goes out to members.

In fact, the amount of work done by only two staff members working with the Chair, Vice-Chair, members of the Executive and dedicated volunteers was felt to be amazing.

And this despite the "precarious financial situation" of Pax Christi England and Wales. Administrator Fausta Valentine asked everyone "to encourage others to join Pax Christi and so increase our membership and the work for peace." Many were shocked to hear that Pax Christi's income from Peace Sunday has reduced by around 25% for each of the past two years. In fact, more than half the dioceses of England and Wales sent less than £1,000 from all their parishes to Pax Christi for Peace Sunday 2022. Only Brentwood, Southwark and Westminster sent more than £5,000.

The guest speaker was Reverend Mary Gregory, Canon for Arts and Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral, who chose the title 'Engaged, Wounded: Reframing Ourselves for Peace and Reconciliation'. She suggested seven themes which might help us clarify what building the peace of Christ looks like today.

She felt it will involve confrontation as it names injustices and will start from the position of the marginalised. Peacemaking will have local dimensions and it will involve people working communally. It will risk being branded as "foolish" as peace people challenge the dominant narratives. Building peace in today's world was felt to be vital although intimidating. However, there was great hope in young people, "who seem to see the pain of the world more clearly."

LINK

Pax Christi - https://paxchristi.org.uk/