A newsletter for friends of Pax Christi International
As part of our work on nuclear disarmament, Pax Christi International is thrilled to announce the launch of a new campaign for young people - an Open Call for Artists! Young people from 15 to 35 years old and from every part of the world are invited to express in a creative way why it is important for countries to join the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Pax Christi member Centre Jeunes Kamenge (CJK) organised training sessions on active nonviolence for youth movements in the parish of Kamenge. A total of 339 young people participated in these training sessions. In the months of February and March, the CJK continued training sessions in three schools for a total of nearly 3300 students of which 1845 were young women.
Humanitarian Action for Burundian Refugees
Pax Christi Uvira, a member of Pax Christi International, is implementing a humanitarian and development project in DR Congo to assist Burundian refugees settled in Lusenda and Mulongwe. It also aims to help host communities according to the needs they have articulated, including second-hand clothing for nearly 9000 refugees, school kits for more than 3200 children, and funding to strengthen Income Generating Activities for 20 groups of Burundian refugees.
Training of Sisters in DR Congo
Inspired by the training and formation Pax Christi International gave to religious sisters in DR Congo in 2020, a group of sisters went back home to give formation to others in their communities and to some parish groups. In February 2021, Sister Angèle Gapio of the Sisters Servants of Jesus congregation in the diocese of Bunia organised a three-day training session for 31 young sisters. The training took place in the diocese of Mahagi-Nioka, very close to the border with Uganda. The training focused on the themes of nonviolent communication, active nonviolence, as well as conflict and emotional management. The training ended with a solemn Mass presided over by His Excellency Msgr Sosthène Ayikuli, Bishop of the Mahagi-Nioka diocese and concelebrated by six priests with the participation of the Mother General, the sisters, and a few lay Christians.
Declaration of Support and Solidarity with the People of Colombia
Pax Christi International joined hundreds of national, regional, and international organisations in supporting the people of Colombia as they face increasing unrest and violence. The appeal includes a call to the international community for solidarity, the cessation of military intervention, and an immediate end to crimes against humanity.
The political, economic, and social situation in Haiti remains exceedingly difficult. The Haitian Conference of Religious (CHR) announced on 11 April the kidnapping of five priests, two sisters, and three other people who were family members of a priest. We received this news with sorrow and concern for our members and partners in Haiti, the Catholic community there, and all people of Haiti who endure violence and instability. All victims have since been released after massive public and international outcry.
Access to Justice for Communities Resisting Extractive Companies
Together with partners, we hosted a webinar in late April concerning human rights and resource extraction in Latin America.
In this interview, Daniel Felipe Segura shares his experiences as a young peace builder in his community of Ibagué, Colombia. He tells us about the struggle of citizens, workers, students and peasants against the mining industries that are devastating Latin America, and the risks that this kind of battle can lead to.
Asia-Pacific
Crisis in Myanmar
Pax Christi International is among more than 200 organisations to join in an international call to the United Nations Security Council to urgently impose a global arms embargo on Myanmar.
We have joined the Korean Peace Appeal as an international partner organisation. The appeal urges international action and solidarity to end 70 years of war on the peninsula. The appeal also seeks to end the conflict through dialogue rather than sanctions.
Religious Leaders and Women: Giving Witness to Fratelli Tutti
As a contribution to our year-long reflection on Fratelli Tutti, our colleagues in the Philippines organised an event to mark the International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament. A recording of the webinar will be made available on our YouTube channel.
Photo: Susanna Loof / IAEA
Christians in Japan Protest Release of Nuclear Water
The National Christian Council of Japan has released a statement protesting the release of 1.25 million tonnes of radioactive waste water from the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which was severely damaged following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Calling on UN to Oppose Sheikh Jarrah & Silwan Evictions
Pax Christi International has sent an urgent letter to the members of the UN Security Council to immediately oppose Israel’s impending plans to forcibly evict Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem. Click here to read the statement.
One of our core means of engagement is coordinating and representing the global Catholic peace movement on the international stage. At the United Nations in New York and Geneva and UNESCO in Paris, our UN representatives work together with civil society and policy makers to advance our mission for peace, justice, disarmament, and human rights.
We recently hosted an online meet and greet with our UN reps, which was a wonderful opportunity for learning and exchange.
We are pleased to announce a study guide to help you use Advancing Nonviolence and Just Peace in group and study settings. The guide offers questions to help you unpack the stories you'll find in each chapter and understand how nonviolence can grown in your own faith and practice. We have also made an e-book version available for purchase.
Webinar
Nonviolence:
Key to a Laudato Si' Future
The Vatican’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform envisions seven goals for seven sectors of the Catholic community over the next seven years. This is an opportunity to achieve a more just world for all creation. In a one-hour webinar on Monday, 17 May, Marie Dennis, Ken Butigan, and Sr. Sheila Kinsey, FCJM (Union of Superiors General/International Union of Superiors General) discussed Gospel nonviolence for a Laudato Si’ future.
The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative is offering a one-hour discussion guide relating to the current crisis in Myanmar. The guide takes participants through a time of reflection, learning, discussion, and action and is suitable for online gatherings.
This book looks at the Palestinian 'come and see initiative' from a social-cultural and historical-theological perspective). It was jointly published by Pax Christi International and other members and partners. The publication is available especially for theological education and pilgrimages. For digital access, please click here.
The main goal of the Second IPB World Congress is to provide a space for gathering and sharing experiences for all involved in international peace and justice movements. This Congress is an opportunity for diverse people, groups and causes to share strategies and to articulate alternatives together. Click here to find out more.
Laudato Si’ Week 2021, to be held May 16-25, will be the crowning event of the Special Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year, and a celebration of the great progress the whole Church has made on its journey to ecological conversion.
Laudato Si’ Week 2021 will also be a time to reflect on what the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us and prepare for the future with hope. For more information, visit the Laudato Si' week website.
