The peace we seek cannot come from weaponry, but from a commitment to justice and nonviolent actions which recognise the dignity of every human person and all creation. We reject models of security that rely on fear, the demonisation of others or on the strength of arms - conventional and nuclear.
15th May is a day for remembering all those who have struggled for the right to refuse to kill, throughout history and today. We remember those who have refused to bear arms and participate in war. Hundreds of people across the world are imprisoned or forced to flee their home countries for refusing to join the armed forces. On May 15th we stand in solidarity with them, as well as celebrating the memory of all those throughout history who have resisted conscription.
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2020/05/04/international-conscientious-objectors-day/
Pax Christi members marked Ash Wednesday with acts of penitence and witness around the country as we have done for over 30 years.
In London, there was a vigil of resistance and repentance at the Ministry of Defence. The liturgy and witness is undertaken in respectful opposition to the MoD’s preparations for the deployment of nuclear weapons. See HERE for more details
In Liverpool at noon, Pax Christi members and friends led a public act of repentance for our possession and intended use of the nuclear weapons.
In Coventry there was an Ash Wednesday Action beginning at the foot of the Old Cathedral steps, organised by Pax Christi members and friends.
Pax Christi members around the country joined us in prayerful solidarity.
Independent Catholic News covered the London and Coventry events. More information is on the Pax Christi News page
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2020/02/18/ash-wednesday-2/
Ash Wednesday 1 March 2017
Join us for the 35th year of Christian witness and resistance to nuclear war preparations in London, Liverpool & Glasgow
The liturgy will involve prayer, song and symbolic actions using the symbols of the day.
In London there may be nonviolent civil disobedience in the form of marking the building with blessed charcoal during the day. Those who wish to take part in the these actions must contact the Pax Christi office for preparation .
If you are unable to join us, download the liturgy booklet and be with us in prayer wherever you are Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2017/01/31/preparing-for-ash-wednesday-witness-to-nuclear-war-preparations/
Campaign launch, 3 October
This new report Drone Wars: Out of Sight, Our of mind, Out of control – was launched last night at Friends House, London the latest resource from the Drone Campaign Network of which Pax Christi is a member.
Written by Chris Cole, Director of Drone Wars UK and Pax Christi Executive Committee member. Chris says: Drones are at the forefront of the rehabilitation of the idea of war itself. Through using remote systems and precision weapons, we are being told, war is no longer the hell it once was…”
The report highlights some of the key issues surrounding the growing use of armed drones and makes a number of key recommendations to control their use. Informative and accessible resource for peace campaigners!
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2016/10/04/drone-wars-out-of-sight-out-of-mind-out-of-control/
Pat Gaffney and Paul Rogers
There was a great buzz of energy and activity at the 2015 NJPN Conference on The Things that Make for Peace and Pax Christi was a key partner in the planning and running of the Conference.
You can read an fuller reports on the Conference from Leeds J&P commission here … from page 5 and from journalist Paul Donovan here
Prof Paul Rogers was the first speaker on the theme A century on the Edge: From Cold War to Hot War 1945-2045. Paul’s presentation was challenging and hope-filled. He said that we are involved in ‘suggesting the possible’, the prophetic work of peace and justice. You can read more of Paul’s work and analysis here. Fr Edu Gariguez spoke of his peace and justice ministry in the Philippines, his talk can be found here.
Pax Christi offered several workshops. Matt Jeziorski our Education worker ran a workshop on Militarism and Young People and Fr Paul Lansu from Pax Christi International ran a workshop on the EU as a force for peace. Fr Martin Poulsom gave very moving and focused reflections after each session to help us link what we had heard to our own experiences and faith.
Three women took part in a panel discussion on grass roots peace work – work with young people and violence presented by Lorraine Dinnegan; interfaith work for peace, given by Sr Maire Hayes and empowering women in Zimbabwe from development from Jenny Vaughan & Fiona Mwashita of Progressio.
The conference was chaired by Pax Christi’s Pat Gaffney
More photographs here
Permanent link to this article: https://paxchristi.org.uk/2015/07/20/hundreds-gather-at-national-jp-conference/
