Peace Pairs: Intergenerational Mutual Co-Learning

Sr Katrina Alton, National Chaplain to Pax Christi England and Wales writes:

When I heard about 'Peace Pairs,' an intergenerational mutual co-learning programme, which pairs up peacemakers from different generations, I couldn't wait to get involved.

Pax Christi USA are now in their third year of running this programme and, drawing on their experience we have now launched our own Pax Christi England & Wales 'Peace Pairs.'

Aisling, our Education Worker is a participant in this new programme and will also share resources on nonviolence. We know that addressing issues of war and violence touches us at a deep level. So, in my role as Chaplain, I will be available to the 'Peace Pairs' throughout the year to offer accompaniment and support.

How does it work?

Each 'Peace Pair' has committed to meeting once a month, either in person or on zoom, for the next year, and gathering four times during the year with all the other 'Peace Pairs' to share their experience of the project. As participants deepen their understanding of Gospel nonviolence, they will explore how they can apply this to a particular aspect of peace-making. This might be nuclear disarmament, climate justice and war, or everyday militarism. Each pair will find ways to share their learning through tangible outcomes, such as a podcast, artwork, or poetry.

Naomi, one of the young adults joining the programme shared her hopes; "I was excited when I heard about the Peace Pairs project. I believe that the gospel calls us to radically imagine a world that isn't dictated by violence or war, but by compassion and peace. My hope is that this project will help me learn from Christian activists who can help me deepen my understanding of what it means to be committed to peace work and learn to put this into action."

The multiple existential threats we face today can't be overcome by violence and militarism. The cycle of forever wars must be broken. Rethinking what makes for lasting peace based on justice is the task of all peacemakers. 'Peace Pairs' isn't about recruiting young adults to join Pax Christi, rather it is about accompaniment, solidarity, and intergenerational co-learning. By creating an intentional space for dialogue, lamenting, creative thinking, community building, and risk taking, we hope 'Peace Pairs' can be one way to sustain and encourage peacemakers from all generations; especially those with many decades ahead of them in the difficult but necessary work of peace-making.

How can you support 'Peace Pairs'? Firstly, and most importantly, pray for us. Then if you, or someone you know, might be interested in joining 'Peace Pairs', we hope to have a rolling admissions process throughout the year. For more information contact Aisling at education@paxchristi.org.uk

LINK

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