Aotearoa

From its beginnings, Pax Christi Aotearoa-New Zealand has been committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as foundational to peace in our country. Before Christmas, they submitted a submission opposing the Treaty Principles Bill to the National Parliament.

The number of submissions presented overwhelmed the parliamentary website. Read Pax Christi Aorearoa-New Zealand's submission at this link.

Australia

Late last year Pax Christi Victoria, Australia launched a “Call to all Christians in Australia” to put pressure on our leaders to make their voices heard in favour of a complete ceasefire in Gaza. The call suggests five key principles towards a just, peaceful and durable outcome

Using the online services of Change.org, we gained 900 signatures. The petition and its accompanying statement can be accessed at this link.

Korea

At the annual seminar on the message of Pope Francis for the World Day of Peace 2025 on 18 January 2025, Pope Francis' three proposals were discussed in the recent geopolitical context of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. One of the concrete suggestions was to join the Global Days of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS) in Korea to promote the Pope's proposal as a way to de-escalate military tensions in the region.

Japan

The principle of a de facto ban on arms exports, as set out in the Three Principles on Arms Exports, etc., has long formed the basis of government policy under the thorough and permanent pacifism of the Japanese Constitution.

However, in the intervening period, there has been a process of gradual erosion of the principle of a ban on arms exports. The Interfaith Peace Network continues its public action against militarization. 

Philippines

On January 28th, Pax Christi Pilipinas' webinar "Stories of Nonviolence from Young People" highlighted the impactful voices of youth in peacebuilding. Speakers from different regions of the Philippines, Sophia, Kath, and Raida, shared their personal experiences and initiatives to foster understanding among diverse communities.

The discussion emphasized the importance of nonviolence, managing emotions, and intergenerational dialogue.

Sri Lanka

January 6th marked the 40th anniversary of the killing of Fr. Mary Bastian, a Catholic priest from the Catholic Diocese of Mannar, in the Northern province in Sri Lanka.

Ruki Fernando, Human Rights activist and member of Pax Christi International's Asia-Pacific group, wrote an article calling for justice for Fr. Bastian, as well as hundreds of thousands of people, including 11 Catholic priests and one religious sister.

Issue 1/2025