'Nonviolence Days of Action' launched

Blessed are the feet of those who bring nonviolence' was an online gathering on International Peace Day - 21 September - to launch the Catholic Nonviolence Days of Action 2023. Andrew Jackson, Director of Pax Christi England and Wales, led the opening prayer, adapted from Pope Francis for the Season of Creation.

Then Pat Gaffney, of the international Executive Committee of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, introduced the scene. "In our political, economic, social and religious choices how do we make a choice for nonviolence?" she asked. "We are called to make this a priority in the way we practice our faith," she continued, "whether we are talking about war in Europe or the climate crisis, nonviolence can inform our responses." She put forward four strands in the Initiative as: Spirituality, Solidarity, Putting ourselves in a position where we are ready to change, and A way of life lived by the values of nonviolence. The question was asked: What does the Church need to do to make nonviolence more central in our lives?

Nonviolent approaches to the conflict in Ukraine were mentioned - such as supporting those resisting war within Russia and Belarus, and there was an interfaith pilgrimage to Ukraine last year looking for spaces in which to work for peace.

The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative is very involved in the Season of Creation - engaging with communities experiencing climate injustice and human rights abuses of extractive industries. Indigenous people are a particular focus. Ways of exploring nonviolent activism and providing new Liturgical resources are offered.

Last December, the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative held a gathering in Rome - 70 delegates from 28 countries. They followed the thread of peacemaking in the Catholic Church, from the 60th anniversary of 'Pacem in Terris' to Pope Francis' commitment to nonviolence.

The online gathering watched a video - '10 Years of Nonviolent Actions with Pope Francis'

Among many images, we saw him praying for peace in Syria in 2013, praying at the western wall of the Temple in Jerusalem in 2014, and planting an olive tree as a symbol of peace at the Vatican that same year. In 2015 he kissed the feet of political leaders in South Sudan and called for peace. In 2021 he prayed with victims of war in Mosul, Iraq, and the following year made a 'Penitential pilgrimage' to indigenous people in Canada.

In discussion afterwards, many were "overwhelmed" by the diversity of Pope Francis' encounters - from meeting children brought up in a garbage dump to engaging with members of the US congress. He was felt to be "a model" for us to consider going out to others more and being prophetic in difficult situations. In fact, living the Gospel more authentically.

Many felt we need to share positive stories of peacemaking and resistance to violence, such as vigils at the recent arms fair in East London, parish celebrations of the Season of Creation, school welcomes to refugee children, and family stories where the violence of video games and some media targeting young people has been challenged. There is a need for persistence and nurturing hope.

The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative Days of Action, a project of Pax Christi International, also invites learning about nonviolence from partner organisations in South Sudan, Peru and elsewhere and a pledge live nonviolently. They run from the UN International Day of Peace on the 21 September to the UN Day of Nonviolence on the 2 October.

LINK

Nonviolence in Action: https://paxchristi.org.uk/resources/nonviolence-in-action/