Walking protest against DSEI Arms Fair

Every year, 12 billion bullets are produced - enough to kill each person on Earth twice. Daily, thousands become victims of armed conflict, facing injury, death, or the heartbreak of displacement. Wars disproportionately devastate civilian lives, with guided bombs, missiles, and artillery shattering communities and infrastructure. Beyond the battlefields, the shadow of gun violence looms large; globally, it claims over 500 lives daily.

Faith Justice, members of the Passionist community, are organising a Peace Pilgrimage which is sponsored by the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to protest against the upcoming Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair (DSEi) in London on September 11, 2023.

DSEi is a prominent event that brings together governments, national armed forces, and industry. This year, more than 1,700 arms companies are expected to market their deadly products.

In 2017, Pope Francis said: "It is an absurd contradiction to speak of peace, to negotiate peace, and at the same time, promote or permit the arms trade. Is this war or that war really a war to solve problems or is it a commercial war for selling weapons in illegal trade and so that the merchants of death get rich."

The Faith Justice Peace Pilgrimage represents more than just a physical journey - it is a strong message for peace and justice. It signifies a dedication to non-violence and the belief that peaceful resolutions can be found for conflicts.

The Peace pilgrimage will start on Monday, 4 September, in Oxford and end at the DSEi Arms Fair, which will take place at the Excel Centre on 11 September. Participants will gather at the Royal Victoria Square at 7pm for a candlelit vigil on the eve of the arms fair opening.

All are invited to join this pilgrimage, which will involve walking 10 to 15 miles through the countryside and urban areas. However, if you can only join the pilgrimage for a day or two along the way, you are still more than welcome to participate. You can find out more here: https://peacepilgrimage.org.uk/about-the-pilgrimage/