Aotearoa

Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand's primary focus at this time is writing a submission against the intended introduction of the Treaty Principles Bill to the New Zealand Parliamentary Select Committee, by 7 January.

The passing of this bill would undermine years of work to rebuild the treaty relationship between the Crown and Māori. Please continue to pray for New Zealand now and in the new year.

Australia

On 29 November, Pax Christi New South Wales Member Clare Maguire attended the West Papuan ‘Morning Star’ flag raising.

Every year for the past 18 years the ceremony has taken place at Leichhardt Town Hall - an action which would incur 15 years of Prison if it took place in West Papua (Irian Jaya). The Australian West Papuan Association reports that there is a slow genocide occurring there. 

Korea

After South Korean President Yoon Seok-Yeol imposed martial law late at night on 3 December, Pax Christi Korea reacted swiftly and its members held a prayer vigil.

After the National Assembly unanimously voted to lift it, they published a statement welcoming their efforts and urging all to act in accordance with their conscience. On 6 December, Pax Christi Korea calls for President Yoon to step down.

Japan

The Catholic Council for Justice and Peace of Japan congratulated Nihon Hidankyo on receiving the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.

“The horrific reality of the atomic bombings told by Hibakusha has revealed the inhumanity of nuclear weapons to the international community and has been the most powerful force preventing the use of nuclear weapons in war since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki until today.”

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, Ruki Fernando addresses issues of peace and reconciliation and shares his reflections in the press.

He recently wrote an article celebrating the contributions of Fr. Michael Rodrigo, OMI to education, and his commitment to truth and justice. He also denounced the lack of accountability to the victims of the bombing of St. James Catholic Church in Gurunagar, Jaffna 31 years ago, fighting for remembrance.

Please note that the next issue of the Pax Christi International Asia-Pacific News Brief will be sent out in early February.



Issue 2/2024