With a consideration and understanding of current situations of conflict and violence, participants engaged in dialogue about the roots of violence, the hope for peace and reconciliation, and reflected on paths to a conversion to nonviolence. They noted that nonviolence is not only a method but a way of life, a way to protect and care for the conditions of life for today and tomorrow.
Members of the CNI roundtable on the Power of Nonviolence, which was co-convened by Pat Gaffney and Rose Berger, were able to give testimony to the effectiveness of nonviolence – these included Pietro Ameglio from Mexico, Kanini Kimau from Kenya, Rania Murra from Palestine and Jean Baptiste Talla from Cameroon.
“Our conversations on nonviolence and peace filled our hearts and minds with a consideration of the dignity of each person – young people, women and men, people who are impoverished, citizens and leaders,” said Mons. Bruno Marie Duffé, Secretary of the Dicastery. “Nonviolence and peace call us to a conversion to receive and to give, to gather and to hope.”
“Pax Christi International deeply appreciates the support and participation of the Dicastery in this workshop, which has been a significant and positive step in the work of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative,” said Marie Dennis, Co-president of Pax Christi International. “We are touched by the interventions from all the participants, who reiterated the importance of nonviolence rooted in respect, patience and spiritual strength.”
Workshop participants hailed from Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Colombia, Honduras, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Uganda, Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Fiji, South Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Palestine, the United Kingdom, France and Italy, and included Bishops, Archbishops, peace practitioners, theologians, social scientists, educators and those in pastoral ministry. In addition, the Dicastery’s Prefect Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana) was present, as was Cardinal Joseph Tobin (Newark, New Jersey, USA).
Participants will continue their dialogue and research; their reflections will be shared with the Holy Father, with the hope for a possible encyclical that will address these issues and challenges and will promote nonviolent initiatives as a way for mediation, rights, hope and love.
“We need to be artisans of peace, for building peace that is a craft that demands serenity, creativity, sensitivity and skills.” (Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Gaudate et Exultate, 19 March 2018)
Women peacemakers gathered in Birmingham on March 9th to explore their commitment to peace, in an event facilitated by Pax Christi for International Women’s Day. First those attending spoke of women peacemakers who had inspired them. Then they shared their own experiences across generations and traditions, reflecting more deeply on what motivates and supports them. Film-maker Zoe Broughton, and her daughter Mati, created a dynamic record of the event. The Pax Christi team will further develop the footage and photographs into creative resources for the future. Young Peace Journalist Clare Shanley attended the event and has written a reflective article which will feature in the next edition of JustPeace. More pictures 
