Sowing Seeds of Hope - Pax Christi England and Wales AGM 2026

Pax Christi E&W AGM in London on Saturday (see more pictures on ICN's Facebook page)

The Annual General Meeting of Pax Christi England and Wales took place at Maria Fidelis School, Euston, on Saturday, 6th June 2026. The theme for the day was: 'Sowing seeds of Hope'.

Kathryn Lyndon, Chair of Pax Christi opened the day by welcoming everybody and thanking all those who helped organising the event.

Fr Joe Ryan, Executive Committee member, continued proceedings explaining the theme for the day. A packet of seeds containing white poppies, wild flowers and Forget-me-Nots, were available to all the participants. He invited participants present and online to write messages for the ' Washing Line'. Here was an opportunity for all to indicate what they are already doing in working for peace; plans/visions for the future; what has inspired them and any words of encouragement. These comments will be useful in planning the future direction of PCEW.

He explained the concept of a 'mixed grill' input for the morning session. It comprised of video messages and in person presentations.

Martha Ines Romero, Secretary General Pax Christi International, sent a message from her native Columbia. She indicated to privilege of being leader of such a magnificent group OFpeople worldwide, all working together for peace, justice and reconciliation .
Fr Gerry McFlynn, Prison chaplain, Co-president of Pax Christi E & Wales, gave a reflection on Pope Leo's Peace Sunday's message 'Towards Unarming and Disarming Peace'. He spoke of justifying war in the name of religion; if we want peace, work for justice; working for peace must not be left to politicians and our leaders in Church and State must take the initiative in peace work.

There was a message of solidarity from Japan, as Filo Hirota spoke of her task of working for peace and reconciliation in her native country.

Joan Sharples and Owen Butler shared their experience of dialogue in Peace Pairs. Carol and Naomi spoke of their Intergenerational sharing of ideas. It is hoped to develop this aspect of dialogue between young and old; to build bridges and especially to engage with young people who are earnestly seeking to get involved in peace movements.

Ann Farr, former Chair of PCEW, shared a message from New York from Mary Yelenick, Pax Christi International representative to the United Nations. Her work involves being an advocate at the UN on nuclear disarmament, anti-racism, active nonviolence, social and economic justice. How special it is to have representatives speaking our name in the United Nations.

Aisling Griffin, Pax Christi staff member on outreach to young people, told us of the forming of the Youth Peace Forum in Florence last November at the PCI conference. Again a sign of our young people playing their part in peace work.

Pat Gaffney, former Secretary General of PCEW, spoke to us about Catholic Nonviolence Initiative. She highlighted the regular vigils of Women in Black, a public witness every week concerned with violence against women; explored the concept of nonviolent activity as opposed to lip service and listed a number of upcoming activities, especially the Tablet event in Chelmsford on 10th July: Faith in Action: Justice, Peace & the Future of the Church where Pax Christi will have an input.

As you can see it was a true 'mixed grill' of Peace activities! It is so encouraging to see the extent of the combined efforts of Pax Christi members worldwide and how it can be in inspiration to all at times when we may feel we are getting nowhere in our peace work.

During our shared lunch there were continuous rolling video messages from Pax Christi workers in Africa, USA, Europe and other parts of the world.

We were introduced to Anita Tozzi, the new Westminster Justice and Peace Coordinator as she reminded us of her role of encouraging parishes to get involved in Justice and Peace work.

The new National President of PCEW, Bishop John Arnold spoke of his new role representing the Bishops of England and Wales.
He gave a brief outline of his ministry as a priest of the Westminster diocese, Auxiliary Bishop in North London, his appointment to Salford diocese and his works with CAFOD. This all has led to his appointment as President of Caritas Europa, beginning next year.
He looks forward to working with Pax Christi England & Wales in the days ahead.

The official Annual General Meeting followed with Kathryn Lyndon, Chairperson, conducting proceedings.

Details of last year's AGM were agreed on as were the Financial returns and other matters. She explained about us not having a CEO with the resignation of Andrew Jackson and the process of replacement being in hand. She is stepping down as Chair, but is willing to continue on the Executive Committee. Aisling Griffin, Education outreach person, is moving on to a new job and needs replacing.
Some members of the Executive are moving on too and need replacing. Anna Blackman was co-opted as a new member of the Executive.

Kathryn, made and appeal to all members to consider joining the Executive Committee and indicated that non-members could be co-opted on to continue the work of Pax Christi.

The day ended with a moving Liturgy lead by Sr Katrina Alton, Chaplain to Pax Christi.

Bishop John Arnold gave the final blessing.