Pax Christi USA statement on current civil unrest

Source: Pax Christi USA

The following is a statement from Pax Christi USA in response to the current unrest unfolding in Los Angeles and across the country, particularly as a result of the raids from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. We are also concerned about the upcoming parade scheduled to be held in Washington DC on Saturday, June 14, purportedly in celebration of the US military.

Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement, is deeply troubled by the attempts by paramilitary agents purported to be representing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to intimidate people who are vulnerable and marginalized. We strongly support nonviolent resistance to threats to the immigrant community in the US, and we are grateful for Pax Christi members - undaunted by the mounting tensions, insecurity, and chaos - who persist in conducting nonviolent actions, prayer vigils, and demonstrations in solidarity with immigrant communities across the country.

"The nonviolent resistance of the many in Los Angeles and across the country is to be commended in the truest spirit of what it means to be a democracy where the most vulnerable are protected and the dignity and rights of every person are respected. As a pastor who has worked among Latinos and immigrants for over 30 years, I call upon all to take to heart the words of Jesus who calls upon us to be peacemakers and to receive the immigrant as we would receive Jesus himself." - Fr Fred Thelen, Pax Christi USA national council

The recent deployment of the National Guard and US Marines in response to nonviolent protests in Los Angeles against large ICE sweeps is grossly disproportionate and undermines the authority of the state government. Contrary to restoring peace, these chilling measures by the federal government only serve to terrorize residents and are intended to heighten tension and instigate violent reactions, in addition to instilling the false and dangerous notion that military action is necessary to subdue public demonstrations.

"If we are not permitted to exercise our right of free speech and stand against a government that no longer follows the law, then we are at grave risk of losing our democracy. And, as people of faith, we must speak out against a government that is abusing the most vulnerable among us." - Dr Sherry Simon, chair, Pax Christi USA national council

We are horrified by the plans to display the United States' machines of war through the streets of Washington, DC this weekend, a waste of millions of dollars which further exacerbates the ever-deepening wound of this administration's attacks on the dignity of human beings. As expressed in our statement of principles, Pax Christi USA rejects the myth that national strength is based on military might. We say "no" to a bloated military budget which robs people of the education, health care, housing, and jobs that they deserve. We say "no" to authoritarianism and militarization.

As a community of conscience, Pax Christi USA prioritizes the promotion and funding of nonviolent solutions to conflict and the transformation of the war economy to a system that allows all US Americans the ability to thrive. We call for an end to the militarized repression of nonviolent resistance in the US and to the raids, extractions and detentions that are terrorizing communities across our country. We call for an embrace of democratic norms and dignity and safety for all.

Join us on Friday, June 13, at 7pm Eastern for an online prayer service for peace. Use this LINK to register.