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Nonviolence Days of Action 21 Sept – 2 October
“Nonviolence is something you live and a tool for social change” Jasmin, the Philippines
For the second year we are promoting these days, a time to think, pray and act for peace and nonviolence. Check out our pick and mix menu of ideas. Full range of resources here
Specific actions you can take
Solidarity actions
Vow of Nonviolence
Third Harmony Film Night booking
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2021/09/20/nonviolence-days-of-action-21-sept-2-october/
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2021/04/10/global-campaign-against-military-spending-10-april-9-may-2021/
‘A World Without Nuclear Weapons is Possible and Necessary’
Pope Francis is a strong supporter of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The Holy See was one of the first states to sign and ratify it. We have been waiting for 50 nations to ratify the Treaty because then it will pass into international law. The 50th nation, Honduras, has now ratified the Treaty. It will enter into force on 22nd January 2021!!
Our government has not engaged with the Treaty process and continues to spend huge sums of money on Trident nuclear submarines. The new international law will not be binding on the UK. However previous experience with landmines and biological weapons has shown that a UN ban treaty process can nevertheless delegitimise and then eliminate these weapons globally. We need to make sure this happens!
Celebrate the 50th ratification and raise awareness about what is changing and how to help.
- Join us for an *online liturgy* to celebrate the full ratification. The event will be led by members of Christian CND on Sunday 1st November at 6pm. Register here
- Arrange to get a message in your parish newsletter soon
- Offer an activity for children’s liturgy (online) gatherings – you can reach the children’s parents too with information about what is happening and how to help. Check the guidance notes at the end of the activity – it’s a tricky topic for children.
- Inform yourself about the issue. Check information on our website.
- Our Director, Theresa, writing in the Universe
- Read the new Pax Christi briefing.
- Put a poster in your window or on a noticeboard
- Arrange a safe gathering in a public place to share the news and engage passers-by in dialogue
- Contact or follow-up with your bank/pension provider to ask about their investment in nuclear weapons. Explain your concern that their policy needs to be in line with changes in international law.
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2020/10/16/a-world-without-nuclear-weapons-is-possible-and-necessary/
Fratelli Tutti: A new encyclical
We welcome Pope Francis’ new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, released on 4th October. Some quotes from the text:
(258) We can no longer think of war as a solution, because its risks will probably always be greater than its supposed benefits. In view of this, it is very difficult nowadays to invoke the rational criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to speak of the possibility of a “just war”. Never again war![242]
(255). There are two extreme situations that may come to be seen as solutions in especially dramatic circumstances, without realizing that they are false answers that do not resolve the problems they are meant to solve and ultimately do no more than introduce new elements of destruction in the fabric of national and global society. These are war and the death penalty.
To help you find ways into this long document, Father Rob Esdaile has given us his initial thoughts. Pax Christi International has made a response.
Anna Rowlands, commenting on the text says, ‘When people ask, “Who is my neighbour?” often what they really want to know is “Who is not my neighbour?” or “Who can I legitimately say is not my responsibility. In contrast she says the teaching in the document ‘helps everyone to develop their full potential and flourish’.
Daniel P. Horan unpacks the links to Saint Francis and his encounter with Sultan Malek al-Kamil at Damietta.
Joshua McElwee reports here, sharing thoughts from Marie Dennis of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative and Teresia Wamuyu Wachira, Co-President of Pax Christi International.
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2020/10/06/fratelli-tutti-a-new-encyclical/
Nonviolence Days of Action 21 September – 2 October
Making active nonviolence our way of life in the Church and the world
Help us to promote a particular focus on celebrating nonviolence! There are lots of ideas for you to use on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too. There is another opportunity to work through the 5-session nonviolence study programme online daily between Monday 28th and Friday 2nd October at 6.45pm. Contact us if you are interested: info@paxchristi.org.uk
Pax Christi members in Hitchin have put together a week-long programme of events. If you are in the area and want to know more, contact us and we’ll put you in touch: info@paxchristi.org.uk
The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative website is also a good place to look for information and resources.
Do let us know what you are doing to share the message of nonviolence. Your feedback helps us to know what is useful to you and gives us an opportunity to share your work to encourage and inspire all of us who are working for peace. Don’t think that what you are doing is too small!
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2020/09/20/nonviolence-days-of-action-21-september-2-october/