This is. Pax Christi. the international Catholic movement for peace. people putting peace into action

Transcription

1 This is Pax Christi the international Catholic movement for peace people putting peace into action

2 Pax Christi - our beginnings Pax Christi is rooted in Catholic Christianity but is open to all who share its values and work. The initiative of one woman, Martha Dortel-Claudot, Pax Christi was founded in 1945 in France to pray for reconciliation between the peoples of France and Germany. Today Pax Christi is an international movement of Christians active in more than 50 countries. With such widespread experience, Pax Christi is able to give evidence and make interventions on human rights, peace and human security concerns at The United Nations in New York, Vienna and Geneva The Council of Europe in Strasbourg UNESCO in Paris Pax Christi s members are young and old, lay and religious, individuals and groups, who work together to explore what the Peace of Christ means for them in their own time and place. Pax Christi works with other organisations such as Religions for Peace, the Stop Child Soldiers Coalition and the Cluster Munition Coalition. This is what I wake up for - peace with justice. Pax Christi creates a space to do this and takes me into other networks and groups of all colours and shapes. Delegate, 2010 international gathering

3 Today Visit Pax our Christi website works to... Build a culture of peace by supporting teachers, chaplains, youth workers and others - Running workshops in schools on conflict resolution and human security Creating resources on peacemaking that give young people tools for understanding our world and making choices based on Christian values Offering our In the direction of nonviolence programme to encourage Christians to learn about active nonviolence and its contribution to peace Producing up-to-date resources for peace campaigning, liturgies and special peace days. It gives me a framework for peace promotion. I always wanted to do this in parishes use nuggets of it for parish life Participant in one of our In the direction of nonviolence workshops. Promote an understanding of sustainable security where human needs are met and the environment is protected, rather than seeking security through weapons and warfare. Pax Christi campaigns against military spending, the arms trade and nuclear weapons. Works with other groups to highlight the links between poverty and the destruction to the environment caused by war and conflict.

4 Develop solidarity between people who are working nonviolently for justice and peace by - Producing and sending cards to celebrate ordinary women peacemakers on International Women s Day. Linking with Japan and other countries to commemorate Hiroshima and Nagasaki Days and encourage joint efforts to abolish nuclear weapons worldwide. Organising visits to Israel and Palestine, and taking part in international days of prayer and action for peace in the Middle East. Pax Christi - our vision The work of Pax Christi - the Peace of Christ - is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Our vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form. The three core values which Pax Christi members place at the centre of their lives are: Peace - based on justice. A world where human rights are respected, basic needs are met and people feel safe and valued in their communities. Reconciliation - a process which begins when people try to mend relationships - between individuals or whole countries - after times of violence or dispute. Nonviolence - a way of living and making choices that respects others, challenges what is not fair or just, and offers alternatives to violence and war.

5 Here is my donation to Pax Christi I would like to receive your Legacy of Peace information I wish to make my membership payment now Student/low income 8.00 Individual Family/small group Organisation Total enclosed. Name: Address: I would like to support the work of Pax Christi I prefer to pay by Standing Order To the Manager Address Tel: Bank Please pay Pax Christi (in words) Every month/quarter/half year/year Starting on: / /20 Sort Code: Account No: Signature: Date: / /20 For bank use: Pax Christi at Unity Trust Bank, 9 Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2HB Account No Sort Code Return to: Pax Christi, St Joseph's, Watford Way, London NW4 4TY Tel info@paxchristi.org.uk

6 What you can do Pray for peace yourself and with others. Use the Pax Christi Daily Prayer and other prayers on our website. Seek out good news stories about peace and reconciliation in your national and local papers. Celebrate a local peace hero or heroine in your school or parish. Find out what the Church teaches about peace and nonviolence. The Pax Christi booklets Peace, War and the Christian Conscience, and Nonviolence Works! 60 nonviolent victories of the past century, are useful resources. Run a monthly peace stall in your parish. Pax Christi can provide you with lots of resources, both free and for sale. Talk with your local head teacher about education for peace and citizenship in school. Invite her/him to look at the education pages on the Pax Christi website Support Pax Christi s work for peace by becoming a member or making a donation. Use the attached form. St Joseph s Watford Way London NW4 4TY T: