News 2025

Pax Christi International – Christmas Message

A Christmas message from the Co-Presidents of Pax Christi Intnernational, Sister Wamūyū Wachira and Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo.

Pax Christi International Christmas Message 2025

Statement from Pax Christi Australia on the attack on the Jewish Community at Bondi Beach

Following the attack on Bondi Beach in December, Pax Christi Australia issued the following statement:

‘Pax Christi Australia, a Christian peace movement and section of Pax Christi International
condemns the recent violence committed in Bondi on Sunday as our Jewish sisters and brothers were about to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Pax Christi condemns all forms of
violence irrespective of where it comes from.

We extend our profound feelings of condolences to the Jewish community and all in the area who have been impacted by this violence. In this instance, we pray especially for the victims of this violence – the dead and the wounded, as well as those who are traumatised by their presence at the scene or those impacted by the events on media.

We believe that even in the depths of suffering we also encounter the God of peace and justice who also sides with those who are victims in our world. All are precious in the eyes of God who is present in all.

We applaud the work of first responders to such scenes as well as people present who assisted the dying and wounded as well as the courage of individuals in confronting the perpetrators. In our grief, may we not turn to vengeance but seek to participate in the healing of our world.

As our sisters and brothers in the Jewish faith commemorate Hanuka – the Festival of Lights– may we all be people who light the fires of love, tenderness and peace in our communities and beyond.

Father Claude Mostowik msc, President Pax Christi Australia

Protesting Genocide

Pax Christi member Paul McGowan recently attended two protests in Birmingham in December and wrote these thoughts:

Image: GM Friends of Palestine Facebook – Protesters at the Ebit factory Shenstone in January 2025

‘Not far north of Birmingham is the quiet village of Shenstone. Tucked away down a leafy lane is an industrial estate which contains a factory called UAV Engines. The factory is owned by the Israeli arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles which it makes engines for are to power the drones flying over Gaza. Previously, the factory was owned by BSA and made engines for motor-bikes, though originally the company made what it says on the tin – Birmingham Small Arms. So, at least for part of its existence, BSA showed that ‘swords could be turned into ploughshares’, though the process is obviously reversible. Last Tuesday there was a small demonstration outside the factory, drawing attention to the support given to the Gaza genocide by this unassuming workplace. 

On the following Saturday there was another demonstration, this one in central Birmingham, just off Chamberlain Square and its jolly Christmas market. About twenty people sat with signs saying ‘I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action’. For a while, it almost seemed as if they might get away with it. It was the eve of the season of Hope, after all. There were few police officers visible, though several Liaison Officers mingled with the hundred or so bystanders, pointing out that arrests would be made.

Eventually they were. As each one was carried away, the crowd applauded, trying to offer some support to the prisoners. Some in the crowd tried to persuade the officers not to intervene. One or two shoppers mocked. Others came up to watch and ask questions. The demonstrators sat silent and motionless, as their instructions specified. There was no brutality, but the process developed a disturbingly relentless and sinister character. 

As time went on, the crowd thinned. Those who remained drew closer to those still waiting to be taken, as if to offer a little protection against the inevitable. Some had food to share, but it was not wanted. An old man asked if he might have a tissue. When they led him off he shuffled away slowly, leaning on a stick.

I had brought a sign, too. But it stayed out of sight, in my coat pocket.

Paul McGowan

Advent Friday Prayers for Peace – The Scandal of the Nonviolent Incarnation

On the 5th December at the Prayers for Peace, hosted by the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Sr Katrina Alton gave a powerful reflection on the ‘The Scandal of the Nonviolent Incarnation’. You can read her reflection in full here:

The Scandal of the Nonviolent Incarnation

Bishop Thomas McMahon RIP

We joined the prayers for the repose of the soul of Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, Bishop Emeritus of Brentwood Diocese, who died on the 24th November.

Bishop Thomas was a great supporter of Pax Christi and one of our Vice Presidents for a number of years. Even before he became a Vice President, he was involved in setting up a J&P Commission in his Diocese which worked with  us on the campaign for a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty for Nuclear Weapons. He faithfully supported our work against Trident and against the arms trade and on a number occasions had letters on these issues published in The Tablet. 

In the early 2000s, Bishop Thomas attended gatherings at the Aldermaston Military Base with his counterpart, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, then Bishop of Chelmsford. Several times he spoke at national anti-Trident events in London and for many years offered a welcome and reflection to those attending the annual silent vigil against the DSEI arms fair in East London.  This happened to be in his Diocese.

He attended and spoke of his support for Pax Christi at a number of Diocesan events and workshops on peace and nonviolence, always showing his personal support for our work.

Our now Vice President Pat Gaffney recalls ‘On a personal level, he would often send notes and messages encouraging me in the work and speaking of his admiration for Pax Christi.’

Requiescat in pace.

Photo Credit – Diocese pf Brentwood

Assisi and the Urgency of Peace: How Pope Leo’s Message Strengthens Today’s Peacemakers

Our National Chaplain Sr Katrina Alton reflects on Pope Leo’s message to the 81st General Assembly of the Italian Bishops’ Conference in Assisi on the 20th November:

‘Pope Leo’s address on November 20th to the Italian Bishops gathered in Assisi was an urgent summons to reclaim the Church’s vocation as a force for peace rooted in the nonviolence of Jesus. For Catholic peacemakers, including movements like Pax Christi, his words carry strategic weight.

The Pope’s repeated insistence on “placing Christ at the centre” becomes radical when Christ is understood not as a distant symbol but as the nonviolent Jesus who we encounter in the victims of violence and war. By anchoring everything in the crucified and risen Jesus, Pope Leo redirects the Church away from political partisanship and toward the Gospel’s transformative ethic of a just peace.

His description of our era, fractured by violence, polarized rhetoric, and the abandonment of the vulnerable, mirrors the daily reality faced by peacemakers working amid conflicts from Gaza to Ukraine. The Pope’s call to counter this climate by becoming “artisans of friendship” and builders of “authentic relationships” echoes Pax Christi’s longstanding commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and the dismantling of systems that normalise war.

Even more significantly, Pope Leo’s emphasis that faith must shape “all areas of daily life” leaves no room for a Church that remains silent in the face of suffering. Speaking about the civilian devastation of modern warfare, advocating for disarmament, and defending human dignity are not optional social concerns, they are expressions of the kerygma itself.

In urging the bishops to walk closely with the poor, the wounded, and the excluded, Pope Leo affirms the vocation of all who practice Gospel nonviolence. His message from Assisi effectively strengthens groups like Pax Christi: not only blessing our work but calling s to renew our vocation to be “prophets of peace in our fractured world.”

Sr Katrina Alton

Calling on the UK Government to rethink nuclear weapon expansion

Andrew Jackson, our Chief Executive, joined CND and others in Downing Street on Monday morning to submit a letter signed by MPs, Trade Union and Civil Society Leaders calling on the UK Government to urgently rethink its expansion of the UK’s nuclear weapon arsenal.

The letter express our deep concern at the recent decision to purchase 12 US F-35A nuclear-capable fighter jets for stationing at RAF Marham in Suffolk. That purchase marks a significant expansion in the UK’s nuclear capability and means that Britain will be able to launch nuclear weapons from both the sea and air. CND have a Legal Opinion that the purchase puts the UK in breach of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

You can read CND’s press release here

Campaigners come together to challenge britains disastrous nuclear expansion

And the full letter here:

Joint Letter to Sir Keir Starmer

Bishop John Arnold appointed as Pax Christi President

We are delighted to announce that Bishop John Arnold has been appointed as our new President.

Bishop John has been Bishop of Salford since 2014, is the Bishop’ Conference Spokesperson for the Environment and a former Chair of CAFOD’s Board of Trustees. We look forward to working with Bishop John and welcoming him to Pax Christi.

Launch of Pax Christi International Youth Forum

Pax Christi International launched its Youth Forum at its recent World Gathering in Florence Matthew Maslen was one of our delegates at the Gathering and took part in the launch of a new Pax Christi International Youth Forum. Here’s Matthew’s report on the Gathering:

‘Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Pax Christi International (PCI) 80th Anniversary in Florence, Italy. From around the world, we came together not only to celebrate 80 years of Pax Christi, but also to discuss how to build momentum for the organisation to continue into the future.

Over a packed four days, we had panel discussions, workshops and moments of reflection. Under the theme of ‘Building Bridges for Tomorrow’, we covered many topics from Ecological Justice, to Disarmament, and Just Peace. Underpinning every conversation was Pax Christi’s commitment to nonviolence.

‘Nonviolence’ is sometimes mistaken for either pacifism, or a passive stance which avoids conflict altogether. Rather, for Pax Christi, nonviolence refers to an active stance in the face of injustices against people and planet. That’s why we often see the phrase ‘Active Nonviolence’: responding to injustices through compassion with the ultimate aim of reconciliation, by ensuring dignity is upheld. For me, some of the most powerful discussions I had last week were around the concept of nonviolence, how we communicate it, and the extent that Catholic Social Teaching is, or ought to be, rooted in it.

At every moment, it was real people, and real experiences, that were centred in our conversations. Communities, where possible, travelled to tell their own stories, to invite collaboration where needed, and to showcase their efforts towards a just world through active nonviolence.

I was invited to join the 80th Anniversary to help launch a new PCI Youth Forum. This will be a space for 18-35 year-olds interested in working for a more just and peaceful world through nonviolence, to build an international community. We started the groundwork exploring the values we want to underpin the forum, and the overarching themes we’ll explore. But this will be a member-led movement. While guided by the 80 years of experience PCI has, this will be a space built by and for youth passionate about nonviolent social action.

If you’d like to join us, or join as a partner organisation, we’d love to have you involved! Just email hello@paxchristi.net and communications@paxchristi.net to help us shape the Pax Christi International Youth Forum.

Pax Christi International Florence Commitment 2025-2030

At the end of the 80th Anniversary World Gathering in Florence, Pax Christi International published its Florence Commitment 2025-2030 which you can read here

PCI Florence-Commitment 2025-2030

The Commitment will serve as a framework for the future for PCI and all supporters in its global network around the world.

“In a world once again wounded by the outbreak of numerous conflicts and by the resulting feelings of fear and despair, today, as eighty years ago, our call to Hope seeks to chart a new path grounded in a universal logic of Just Peace, a peace “never imposed from above”, but one that grows “from the resilience, creativity, and courage of those whose lives are most deeply marked by injustice”.

Our Chair, Kathryn Lydon was at the Gathering in Florence:

“In Florence I was privileged to experience the diversity and energy of the world wide Pax Christi community   – from Korea to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru. With great joy we celebrated the 80th anniversary of Pax Christi and committed ourselves to building peace in our  communities and across the world”.

Pax Christi International 80th Anniversary World Gathering – Day Four

Our day began once again weigh a Spiritual moment presented by the USA delegates. They introduced a number of Peace Workers who have been inspiring and some are on their way to Beatification.

SESSION 5; Working out Regional Strategies for the Future.

We had five regions; Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East. 

The. Pax Christ movement is interconnected by Advocacy priorities globally, but also regionally.

We took the opportunity to reflect on regional contexts, strategies for peace, justice and human rights, and to plan joint initiatives.

SESSION 6: PCI Working groups Evaluation 2025

For the effectiveness of Pax Christi International advocacy work, the following key themes and priorities have been set and implemented:  

1. A Justpeace for the Holy Land
2. Integral Human Security.
3. Climate Justice and Energy Transition from a Peacebuilding Approach.

In this session, Working Group members were able to share context analysis, evaluate campaigns and actions that have been useful for informing the public and giving policy recommendations to decision-makers and strategize for the future.

We had the celebration of Mass with Bishop Marc Stegner, President of PCI, presiding and Auxiliary Bishop of El Paso, in attendance. It was a beautiful Liturgy with elements of Latin, Spanish, Italian and English interspersed.

SPECIAL SESSION: PEACE AWARD CEREMONY;

Established in 1988  The Pax Christi International Peace Award is funded by the Cardinal Bernardus Alfrink Peace Fund  and honours contemporary individuals and organisations who make a stand for peace, justice and nonviolence in different parts of the world. This year, the awardee come from North America.

The Award was made to the Bishop of El Paso, Mark Seitz and all those working with Migrants on the Mexican  border. The Award was accepted by Bishiop Tony Celino on his behalf. There were co-workers who receive Awards as well. 

One awardee, Melisa writes;

“Tonight’s recognition of the work we do at Estrella Del Paso and the diocese of El Paso is so appreciated. The Estrella Del Paso team served 64,000 people in 2024. We estimate we have served well over 500,000 people in our nearly 40 year history and every single person served is served with love. Thank you again for this opportunity of a lifetime for this girl from El Paso who had big dreams but never imagined I’d be here today.”

In love and peace

Melissa.

Awards were given to:

 It was a most moving Award Ceremony and a true recognition of the tremendous work being done for Migrants by the El Paso Diocese.

It was a most fitting end to a wonderful Convention. What a privilege to be there!

Fr Joe Ryan

Pax Christi International 80th Anniversary World Gathering – Day Three

We began our day with a Spirituality input lead by the Asian/Pacific delegates. We praised the Lord in Tagalog, the Philippino language, and individual prayers of intercession.

Session 4: Disarmament and Integral Human Security

The Speakers were:

The gift of Shalom, or a state of wellbeing, where human beings, at peace with one another and with nature, can rise to full potential, is spoiled by the dominance of destructive weaponry, including nuclear arms. This negates the call at the heart of the Gospel ‘ to have life to the full’.

Jonathan highlighted the fact of $2,719 billion spent of weapons of mass destruction. He also reminded us that we are made in God’s image and likeness. Yet, as a humanity are capable of atrocities like Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all in between. He reminded us of Martens Clause and the Law of Armed Conflict of 1907. There are limits within warfare, most of which have been overlooked and ignored.

Richard asked us to imagine the mind-set which allows so much money to be spent on arms!!

We are at a loss for an answer…. the world hurts…. we are in fear and fear paralyses….

Fear is a poor Advisor… it can be socially contagious.

In the afternoon the Pax Christi International Assembly took place. At this AGM there were the various reports since the last Assembly; Financial reports and agreements on concerns because of financial constraints. Election of New Officers has been delayed for one month to allow further discussions. 

In the evening we went to visit the ‘Casa per la Pace’, the Pax Christ Italy, centre. It is a magnificent building , and extensive Villa, left to Pax Christi by an Italian family. We were shown round and then treated to a banquet marking the 80th Anniversary of the founding of Pax Christi.

Awards were presented to the representatives of various regions and also to those who had long served in the work of Pax Christi over the years. There’s were Congratulations and Thank You’s all round to show the appreciation of the Peace Work and dedication shown by so many.

What a wonderful evening to celebrate the 80th Anniversary!

Fr Joe Ryan

Pax Christi International 80th Anniversary World Gathering – Day Two

Fr Joe Ryan reports on Day Two:

‘Our first full day began with the Spirituality moment led by the African delegates. The group let us in a dance a song, a poem and a prayer,  thanking God for his goodness to us all.

SESSION 1:  CONNECTING THE THREADS – Nonviolent Lives, Nonviolent Church, Nonviolent World.

Kanini spoke of her work in Kenya trying to reconcile factions among communities. Many people only knew violence all their lives. Once when she spoke of peace – the meeting ended when that word, Peace, was mentioned. So much so, that even the young people said “if you bring young people from this other group, we will kill them”! She related how a young person shot a doctor driving to work, saying,”I wanted to test my gun to see if I could kill someone in a car”. She just continued to bring children together  to play together and so with perseverance broke down barriers of hate. The two communities began digging well to supply water for all. Patience is a virtue!

Dan from the USA, reminded us of his time in Bolivia working with the Maryknoll Institute. He outlined the plan of action in trying to deal with structural violence… listening to local people; reflecting and questioning; working out priorities and then leading to individual and regional action plans.

Session 2: DEMOCRACY AND JUST PEACE:

The Speakers were: Christina Matiello, CIPAX Centro Interconfessionale per la pace, Italy;

Christina, spoke of her work on peace and reconciliation in the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict.

Scott told us of his work with migrants on the Mexican/US Borders and the fact that no migrants are getting through at present. He said we have a crisis in democracy. The USA has lost much of its credibility in the world. He spoke of migrants being targeted and so afraid to leave their shelters. Yet in spite of difficulties are still full of hope.

Anselmo spoke of his work promoting ‘Laudato Si’ in South Korea. He spoke of “youth uprising’ and great hopes for the future.

Session 3: ECOLOGICAL JUSTICE:

The Speakers were:

The Speakers sought to break new ground in the Church’s Social Justice Teaching, Laudato Si, by situating “integral ecology” at the heart of creating a just and sustainable world to enable the flowering and restitution of God’s creation.

We spent a good part of the afternoon in group discussions. I was in a small group – two from the Philippines, a Korean, one New Zealander and one USA delegate. What a world-wide group. We discussed a call to action by Pax Christi members and proposals for the future.

What a day we had!

Pax Christi International 80th Anniversary World Gathering, Florence

Fr Joe Ryan writes from the opening day of the PCI World Gathering:

‘Pax Christi International 80th Anniversary Conference began in Florence, Italy,  at 4.00pm yesterday with the theme, BUILDING BRIDGES FOR TOMORROW. 

In fact, Pac Christi has been building bridges ever since it was founded in 1945 by Marthe Dortel-Clandot. It began as a campaign of prayer for Franco- German reconciliation. This original objective was enlarged and Pax Christi became ‘a crusade of prayer for the nations’. This spiritual basis underpinned the work of the movement. As it developed,  it called  for a socio- political action in public life as a means of bringing about the Peace of Christ.

At the beginning of the conference, we had 30 minutes to introduce ourselves to other delegates whom we hadn’t met. How encouraging to meet so many people from all over the world. Kathryn Lydon, Pax Christi Chair, said she had met Godefroid from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he was describing the influence Pax Christi was having in trying to reconcile the Rwandan Government and the DRC; Sr Bridget Crisp from New Zealand, telling of her work with the Māori Community; Jonathan working in Geneva. Fr Joe Ryan met up with Barbara from Korea; Bishop Tony Celino, Auxiliary Bishop of El Paso; Margarida  from Portugal and Ursula from Austria, each having their own unique story to tell of their Peace work.

The magnificent Pax Christ Peace Icon took centre stage and Ann Farr gave a background  of its origins  and invited us to spend some time contemplating the many messages contained there.

Then the panel of speakers commemorating Pax Christi’s heritage and trends for the future were: Don Giovanni Ricchiuti, Pax Christi  Italy President; Etienne De Jonghe, former Secretary General; Maria Emma Allegri, Pax Christi Italy Chairwoman; Sophia Maaba, Pax Christi Philippines, PCI Youth Forum; Johnny Zokovitch, PCI Fund for Peace Board Member –  Facilitator.

The Speakers gave us further details of the history of the foundation; the importance of human friendship and relations; they traced the movement of Pax Christi from a European perspective to a global movement. There was mention of the Peace movement in Northern Ireland inspiring the concept of Non-violent resolution of conflict.

As Sophie, a young person from the Philippines, spoke about a New Vision in working for peace, it could have been Greta Thunberg speaking with such passion and clarity. Sophie reminded us that young people don’t need to wait for permission from elders to speak on peace! They refuse to believe that peace is not possible…. there needs to be a multigenerational element….that peace is not a gift from the powerful. 

There’s is a task for all of us to do and hopefully the next few days will guide us to new beginnings in our own efforts for peace.

So we look forward to exciting ideas in the rest of the  Conference .

From Fr.Joe Ryan in Florence.

‘An Alternative Vision of Security for the UK and France’

Our joint Franco British Conference took place in London on Saturday 1st November and was followed by a peace walk and vigils at the French Embassy and Downing St. You can find a report of the day here in Independent Catholic News:

www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53608

You can read the presentations from Dr. Joanna Frew, Etienne Godinot and Msgr Bruno-Marie Duffe here along with the a statement to the conference from Archbishop William Nolan of Glasgow.

A letter from our Chair, Kathryn Lydon

Kathryn Lydon , our Chair (far left) has written to members and supporters with news of some staff changes at Pax Christi and of our new Bishop President. You can read a copy of Kathryn’s letter here :

Chair’s Letter to Members and Supporters (October 2025)

Ann Farr receives the Wilson Hinks Peace Award

Our congratulations to our long standing member, indefatigable campaigner and former Chair, Ann Farr on her receipt of the Wilson/Hinks Peace Award.

Ann received the award during an online event opening this year’s World Week of Prayer for Peace. You can read about the event and Ann’s receipt of the award in an article from Pat Gaffney, one of our Vice Presidents in Independent Catholic News here

www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53466

Praying the Rosary for Peace

At the beginning of October, Pope Leo urged us all to pray the rosary for peace.

If you are looking for a resource to help you pray, we published a booklet in 1992 ‘My Soul is Filled with Joy: Saying the Rosary for Peace’. We no longer have any print copies but you can now download one for free from our website using this link:

My Soul is Filled with Joy: Saying the Rosary for Peace

Pax Christi welcomes the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine

We join others in welcoming the decision of the UK Government to recognise the state of Palestine.

Ann Farr, a former Chair and a member of Pax Christ International’s Working Group for a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel said:

The UK Government’s recognition is a long-awaited and welcome symbolic act and a first step towards justice for Palestinians and Israelis.

However, the daily lives of the people continue to be unbearable. We witness cruelty, violence, death and destruction in both Gaza and the West Bank; the Israeli hostages have been abandoned by their own government and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are held, without charge or trial, in Israeli prisons.’

The recognition has resulted in retribution by the Israeli Government that includes increased violence and the closing of the Allenby Crossing, the only way out of the West Bank for Palestinians. This imprisons them even further and denies return by those out of the country. Yet another violation of international law.’

The UK Government’s recognition must now be followed by immediate, concrete action and we call again for:

• full access for humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza, distributed humanely and safely;
• an end to the genocide in Gaza and the ethnic cleansing of the West Bank together with the withdrawal of all Israeli military;
• an end all UK military cooperation with Israel;
• freedom of movement for Palestinians;
• a ban on trade with illegal settlements and all complicity in settlements;
• the publication of the UK response and its compliance with the ICJ opinion of July 19th 2024 – ‘Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem’

We will continue to respond to the call of our Palestinian friends and partners to pray, take action and work in solidarity with all peacemakers who hope for peace and justice for everyone in Palestine and Israel.

Nuclear Abolition Day 2025

‘The Church has persistently called for those states possessing nuclear weapons to disarm, including our Bishops encouraging successive Governments to forsake the UK’s nuclear arsenal’ 

‘Called to be Peacemakers: A Catholic approach to arms control and disarmament’

Friday 26th September was Nuclear Abolition Day – the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, the day is an annual opportunity for the the world community to reaffirm its commitment to global nuclear disarmament and a reminder to everyone of both the benefits that would come from eliminating nuclear weapons and of the unacceptable social and economic costs of maintaining them. 

Together with 500 civil society organisations and 800 individuals, we have endorsed an international appeal, calling on Governments across the world to use the day and the UN High Level Plenary Meeting taking place in New York to announce concrete plans to prevent nuclear war, shift nuclear weapons budgets and investments to strengthen the UN, advance peacekeeping and conflict resolution, accelerate steps to protect the climate, and meet human and economic needs as required under Article 26 of the UN Charter. 

You can read the full appeal here – Nuclear Abolition Day Joint Letter

UN Commission finds Israel has committed genocide in Gaza

Sr Katrina Alton, our National Chaplain writes on the finding of a UN Commission of Inquiry that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.

‘Today, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry has formally concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. “It is clear there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.” The criteria include, mass killings, infliction of serious mental or physical harm, destructive living conditions, and prevention of births …..

You can read her full response here

‘In the face of genocide we cannot remain silent’

DSEI 2025 – Silent Candlelit Vigil

On the evening before this years DSEI Arms Fair in London, we joined with the Quakers in hosting a silent candlelit vigil at the entrance to the venue for the fair, the Excel Centre in London. We remembered and prayed for all victims of the arms trade – past, present and future.

Our national Chaplain, Sr Katrina Alton led us into the silence with a reflection which you can read here:

DSEI 2025 Silent Vigil Reflection

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

As we marked the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August, week, affirmed again our belief that Catholic Social Teaching leaves no room for the use, development or even possession of nuclear weapons.

In the years following the bombings in 1945, Pope Pius XII condemned nuclear weapons as “the most terrible weapon that the human mind has conceived up to date”.  Pope Paul VI later remarked that the bombings represented “butchery of untold magnitude”.  In Pacem in Terris published in 1963, Pope John XXIII stated quite clearly ‘Nuclear weapons must be banned’.

More recently, Pope Francis was consistent in his opposition to nuclear weapons.  In Fratelli Tutti, he reminded us that international peace and stability cannot be based on the threat of ‘mutual destruction or total annihilation’, going on to say that ‘the ultimate goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons’ is a ‘moral and humanitarian imperative.’

On a number of occasions, Pope Francis condemned not just the use or threatened use of nuclear weapons but also “their very possession”.

In 2024, the International Affairs Department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales published ‘Called to be Peacemakers’.  Summarising Catholic Teaching on the imperative of  disarmament they highlighted the particular responsibility of the Catholic Church in a State which possesses nuclear weapons.

On this anniversary of those terrible events in Japan and at a time when the UK Government is both increasing spending on nuclear weapons and seeking to expand nuclear capability through developments such as the nuclearisation of the RAF, we commit ourselves to encouraging and supporting the Church in praying, working, campaigning and engaging in public witness for the UK to (in the words of Called to be Peacemakers):

• Forsake its nuclear arsenal, helping to create a world without nuclear weapons
• Fulfil its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue an end to the nuclear arms race, to advance multilateral disarmament, to refrain from expanding its own arsenal, and to work towards reducing it at the earliest opportunity
• Sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and, until this point, engage meaningfully with the treaty framework including participating as an observer in future meetings of signatories
• Redirect the economic, social and political resources spent on nuclear weapons towards promoting the universal common good

As Pope Francis said in 2019 a ‘world without nuclear weapons is both possible and necessary.’

Jubilee Festival of Hope

On Tuesday 24^th June we were thrilled to be a part of the Jubilee Festival of Hope at Westminster Cathedral. 130 schools from the Westminster Diocese came together in the Cathedral to join the festival and Pax Christi was one of a number of organisations with a stall on the day. Our stall focused on the theme of peace and we asked the children and young people visiting our stall to create a banner on what they think peace is. The picture above is a selection of some of the amazing banners they created.  

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‘War does not solve problems – Pope Leo responds to the US attack on Iran

In the face of the US bombing of Iran, Pope Leo reminded us again in his Angelus address on the 23rd June that war will never solve problems, calling all nations to ‘chart their futures with works of peace, not with violence and bloodstained conflicts!’.

As we struggle with relentless news of war and bombing and killing, may we renew our faith and courage in the power of love for our enemies, of dialogue and of active nonviolence.

Pope Leo calls young people to be signs of hope that a world built with dialogue, not weapons is possible

‘In his Angelus address for the Jubilee of Youth on August 3, 2025, Pope Leo delivered a heartfelt appeal for peace rooted in Gospel nonviolence, inviting young people to be signs of hope in a world scarred by conflict. “In communion with Christ, our peace and hope for the world,” he said, “we are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings.”

Focusing on the young people of Gaza and Ukraine, he continued: “We are with the young people of Gaza, we are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war.” His message resonates at a time when youth around the world are facing the normalisation of violence and an increase in everyday militarism.

Pope Leo’s words call not just for peace, but for creative nonviolence – a courageous, active force – rooted in love and dignity. Central to this vision is dialogue: “My young brothers and sisters,” Pope Leo said, “you are the sign that a different world is possible… where conflicts are not resolved with weapons but with dialogue.”

This builds upon the teaching of Pope Francis, who in his 2017 World Day of Peace message urged the Church to embrace nonviolence as both a spiritual path and a political method, saying, “If violence has its source in the human heart, then it is fundamental to journey together in peace.”

This journey is being taken today by young conscientious objectors in Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Eritrea, and elsewhere—who refuse compulsory military service and face imprisonment, exile, or public condemnation. Their resistance is not born of fear, but of a conscious commitment to nonviolence. Many are choosing dialogue across borders, building networks of solidarity with others who believe true peace is built on justice, not force, fear, or violence.

In their refusal to kill, these young people embody Pope Leo’s vision of Gospel nonviolence. Their courage shows that dialogue is not weakness, but strength—a quiet, powerful affirmation of life over death.

Pope Leo’s challenge is clear: the future of peace depends not on weapons, but on the next generation following the way of the nonviolent Jesus and showing that another world is possible.’

Sr. Katrina Alton

NJPN Annual Conference 2025 – ‘Towards a Just Peace‘

We had a great time at the NJPN conference last weekend exploring nonviolence as the route to a Just Peace. Thanks to everyone at NJPN for the planning and organisation and for pursuing such a vital theme in a world where violence seems inevitable.

You can find a full reports of the conference in Independent Catholic News: NJPN Conference 2025: ‘We can tip the scales in favour of Peace’ and the Tablet Call to ‘rethink security’ at National Justice and Peace conference

On the Friday evening, our National Chaplain Sr Katrina Alton and FCJ Sr MaryAnne Francalanza stepped in at the very last minute to replace former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams who was unfortunately unwell and unable to give the keynote address. You can watch their discussion on gospel nonviolence on the NJPN YouTube channel here:

Sister Katrina Alton in discussion with Sister MaryAnne Francalanza

On Saturday morning. Sr Katrina and our CEO were both part of a panel discussion on nonviolence which you can also watch on YouTube here:

Panel Discussion on Living Out and Experiencing Gospel Nonviolence

We took the Pax Christi International Icon with us for the prayer room over the weekend. Current Exec Member, FR Joe Ryan presided over Mass on Saturday evening and our former Chair Ann Farr gave a powerful reflection and plea for a Just Peace in Gaza.

On Sunday morning, our friend Joanna Frew spoke on the need for alternative security strategies and proposals and her presentation is also now available on YouTube

Exploring National Security with Dr Joanna Frew

80 Years of Memory and Action: Honouring the past, advancing disarmament and building a peaceful future – Tuesday 24th June

In June, Pax Christi International hosted a webinar marking the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and exploring the enduring impact of nuclear weapons.

There were contributions from ICAN, Pax Christi Korea, Pax Christ Scotland, Pax Christi USA and Pax Christi Italia and if you missed this event, you can watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/gcaxUQkgoWE

UK Strategic Defence Review

Our response to the long awaited UK Strategic Defence Review unveiled today:

‘How do we build peace and security in our world? Certainly not by colluding with the myth that war is inevitable and throwing billions of pounds into the insatiable war machine.

Yet today’s Strategic Defence Review announced by the UK government lacks any real analysis of how to build a just peace from the ground up. Nor does it address the manifold challenges we face, such as, the climate and ecological emergency, health care, economic inequality, education, and housing. All the things we know threaten both national and international stability. Instead, the UK government is handing over billions of pounds to line the pockets of arms dealers and perpetuate the suffering and horrors of war. Why?

In 2015, Pope Francis answered this very question by saying, “Sadly the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood.” Isn’t this what we have seen repeatedly? Whether in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, or today in Gaza, governments and the arms industry tell us that just one more war, just a bigger missile, a more advanced drone, all of this will solve the conflict. When will, “Never Again” truly mean, “Never Again”?

In contrast to the Strategic Defence Review that is imposing a program of increased military spending from the top down, Pope Leo reminds us that, “Peace takes shape from the ground up.” In a meeting with over 300 peace movements in Rome on May 30^th, Pope Leo said, “If you want peace, prepare institutions of peace”, going on to say that nonviolence, “as a method and a style, must distinguish our decisions, our relationships and our actions.”

There is a choice, “War is never inevitable, weapons can and must be silenced, for they do not resolve problems but only increase them.”  Let us echo Pope Leo’s call so that our Church may be an institution of peace, sowing the seeds of nonviolence, that justice may flourish.

Sr Katrina Alton, Chaplain to Pax Christi England and Wales

Annual Report 2024-25

In the lead up to our AGM on Saturday 7th June, we have published our Annual Report for 2024-25. Alongside an introduction from Kathryn Lydon, our Chair, you can read of the highlights of our work over the year and find a summary of our finances. You can find an online copy here

Pax Christi England and Wales_ Annual Report 2024-25

‘Why ?’ – A Poem from Pax Christi Member John Mulholland

Wars, wars, wars,
Killing, killing, killing,
Slaughter, starvation,
Tyranny, torture,
Slavery, sadism,
Ravages, rapes,
Discrimination, domination,
Fearfulness, foreboding;
The history of humanity
In every age, in every land.
Why?

Why, when we’re given reason,
Consciences and wills, do
Men reject good and choose evil?
Why are the women and children
Killed in their countless thousands?
Why are we so blind and so deaf?
Why is this world a vale of tears?
Why will we not listen to his voice
Who taught us love for one another
And died to show the way to peace?
Why?

Pope Leo XIV: ‘Never again War’ – International CO Day

‘After the immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago, on May 8, after having caused 60 million victims ………  In today’s dramatic context of a third world war in pieces, as Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I too appeal to the powerful of the world by repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war!” Pope Leo XIV

In the lead up to this year’s International Conscientious Objectors’ Day, our National Chaplain, Sr Katrina Alton has written a blog reflecting on Pope Leo’s first Regina Coeli and encouraged us all to use this opportunity to remember Conscientious Objectors both past and present. Read more ….

On Sunday 18th May, Aisling Griffin, our Schools and Youth Education Officer will be speaking on the origins of Pax Christi international at an online event organised by Leicester CND, Leicester Quakers, Community of Christ and other peace groups. The vetn runs from 7-8pm and you can join here:

Remembering Conscientious Objectors Yesterday and Today – Online Event

Pope Leo on ‘X’

Pope Leo XIV launched his ‘X’ account early in his papacy and his first posts are very focused on peace. Thank you Pope Leo!

Pope Francis: A Reflection from Sr Katrina Alton, National Chaplain

‘When Pope Francis first appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s in March 2013, bowed his head, and asked us to pray for him, everything about the Papacy changed. Here was a Pope daring, for the first time, to take the name ‘Francis’ – a saint synonymous with love of the poor, care of creation, peacemaking, and living the Gospel in word and deed.

Very soon Pope Francis was calling us to be a ‘poor church for the poor.’ Then came his encyclical, ‘Laudato Si’ – On Care for our Common Home’, challenging us to hear the cry of the Earth. Pope Francis declared that even the manufacturing and possession of nuclear weapons, never mind their use, was a sin – and the Vatican State was amongst the first nations to sign the ‘Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons’.

Like St Francis his actions spoke louder than words – washing the feet of prisoners, making his home in Santa Marta rather than the Vatican Palace, listening to the Hibakusha, survivors of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Even as his health failed, phoning the Christian community in Gaza every evening.

Pope Francis gift to Pax Christi, and to the world, has been to model what it means to be a ‘peacemaker’ and to follow the way of the nonviolent Jesus.

May we nurture this gift in our prayer, dare to proclaim the Gospel of nonviolence authentically in our lives, and open our hearts to the guidance of the Spirit.

Pope Francis – prophet of peace – friend of the poor – pray for us. Amen

Lakenheath Peace Camp – Faith Day

We joined groups from different faiths on Wednesday 23rd April for a peace vigil at the gates of Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk. The vigil was one of the events in a fortnight of protest running alongside a peace camp organised by the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace of which we are members.

Though officially an RAF base, Lakenheath is operated by the US Air Force and is home to their ‘Liberty Wing’ squadron. Many of our members and supporters will know that, from 1954, the base hosted US nuclear weapons before they were eventually removed in 2008 after years of protests. There is strong evidence from developments at the base and NATO documents that US nuclear weapons are either already back on the base or are on their way.

The vigil began with liturgy led by the Iona community and included readings from the Qu’ran from local actor/poet Junayd Ul Islam, a special statement of support from Anglican Bishop David Walker brought by the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship, a Hindu prayer for peace, the Christian CND hymn and a Litany of Resistance led by London Catholic Worker. Quaker Recording Clerk, Paul Parker spoke on how our different faiths inspire protest and action against nuclear weapons before closing the vigil with a Quaker Act of Worship and the breaking of bread together.

Our CEO, Andrew Jackson, who helped co-ordinate the vigil, read extracts from Pope Francis’ many statements on nuclear weapons and disarmament:

“I had always planned to read some of what Pope Francis had said and written on nuclear weapons because he had been so consistent in his and Catholic teaching’s opposition to them. With his death on the Monday before the vigil, his words and exhortations seemed still more relevant and it felt powerful to be standing yards from where nuclear weapons might actually be stored and to speak out his declaration that it is not just the use of nuclear weapons that is immoral but their very possession.”

Pope Francis 1936 – 2025

It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Pope Francis. We joined the Catholic Church around the world and all our colleagues in the Pax Christi International family in mourning his loss..

There have been many reflections and tributes in the days ahead but, amongst all that he brought to us, we will remember his tireless exhortations to pursue peace, disarmament and nonviolence, justice for the poor and oppressed, love for the stranger and for the integrity of creation.

May he rest in peace.

If you would like to express publicly what Pope Francis meant to you as a member or supporter we have set up a page to act as a virtual Book of Remembrance

Pope Francis: Tributes and Reflections

Message us with your comment or reflection to info@paxchristi.org.uk and we will add it to the page.

Easter 2025 – People of the Cross and the Resurrection

As we celebrate Easter, we are reminded again of the nonviolent Jesus.

The Jesus who refused to resist arrest with violence but who told his followers to ‘put away’ their swords. The Jesus who could have asked his Father to send ‘more than twelve legions of angels’ to defend him but who chose instead to offer his life willingly for all, including his enemies and those who hated him. The Jesus whose death brought us peace, breaking down the walls of hostility between us, making us one humanity before God (Eph 2:15-18).

John tells us this was an act of love and that we should love our brothers and sisters in this one humanity (including our enemies) in the same way, laying down our lives for them.

For our Lent Book Club this year, we studied ‘The Nonviolent Life’ by John Dear. In that, he says that we are people of Easter, of the Cross and the Resurrection:

‘People of Gospel nonviolence fundamentally are people who participate in the Paschal Mystery – the death and resurrection of Jesus – as the way towards social, economic and political change. As followers of Jesus, we walk the way of the cross in nonviolent resistance to structural injustice, war, and empire. Like the nonviolent Jesus, we enter the struggle, speak out, take risks engage in nonviolent direct action, and accept the consequences of our public stand – harassment, persecution, estrangement, arrest, trial, imprisonment and maybe even death. Instead of killing others, we are willing to undergo being killed in the struggle for justice and peace; instead of inflicting violence on others, we accept suffering without even the desire to retaliate with further violence as we pursue justice with love for all people.

But we are not only people of the cross. People of Gospel nonviolence are also people of resurrection. As we walk the way of nonviolent resistance to the culture of war and injustice, we are practising resurrection, getting ready for resurrection. As we look to the risen Christ, we take heart, renew our hope, and know that death does not get the last word.’

As we reflect this weekend, we can renew again our commitment to follow the crucified but risen Jesus in a life of nonviolence. You might like to use the Vow of Nonviolence which you can find here:

paxchristi.org.uk/product/vow-of-nonviolence-prayer-card/

Fasting in Solidarity with Mairead Maguire – Write to your MP

Fausta Valentine our Administration and Finance Manager and Pat Gaffney, one of our Vice Presidents, fasted outside Downing St on the 9th April, in solidarity with Mairead Maguire in her 40 day fast for peace for Gaza and the World’s Children.

As many of our members and supporters will know, Mairead is a great friend to Pax Christi. She is a Nobel Prize Laureate and a member of the Advisory Council of Pax Christi’s Catholic Institute for Nonviolence.

Mairead explained her reasons for fasting in a short video on Facebook which you can see here

In conjunction with their fast, both Pat and Fausta wrote to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer to explain the reasons behind their action and to confirm their belief that the UK Government is culpable in the death toll in Gaza, having abandoned any responsibility for the violations of international humanitarian law perpetrated by the Government of Israel and its military forces.

We would love as many members and supporters to support Mairead, Pat and Fausta by writing to their own MPs highlighting the fast, the urgent reasons behind it and asking that they do all they can to bring pressure on the Government to finally acknowledge that Israel is acting in clear breach of International Law and to end once and for all the supply of weapons which render the UK complicit in these crimes. 

We have prepared a template letter for you to use, which you can find here:

Solidarity Fast: Template Letter to MPs

Fifty Years of Justpeace!

Preparing our Annual Report (to be published soon) has reminded us that last Autumn we celebrated fifty years of our regular Justpeace newsletter.

The extended anniversary edition included a small selection of the articles published since 1974. The 300+ issues were divided between a panel of Pax Christi members who each made a shortlist from one decade. All reported how difficult it was to choose from so much really interesting material. Everything had to be pared down further to fit into eight pages. which couldn’t do justice to Pax Christi’s work over such a period of time, to the geographical spread, variety of international concerns, local activities and people. Our sincere thanks to our Justpeace Editor Valerie all those who ‘curated’ this sampling for you: Sue Dowell (Clun, Shropshire) Arn Dekker (Cambridge) Paul McGowan (Coventry) Nan Saeki.

As our Valerie Flessati says in her summary of the 70s:

‘Justpeace was conceived around the kitchen table of Barbara Wall’s Sussex cottage. Inspired by the American Catholic Worker, we wanted a newspaper that would reach beyond Pax Christi’s membership to motivate Christians towards peacemaking. Mass circulationhas never been achieved, but Justpeace has applied Christian values to nuclear weapons, conscientious objection, military expenditure, and all the issues in between, providing campaigners with resources and opportunities for local action. We’ve been strong on the ‘culture of peace’, relating stories from the radical history of nonviolence, inspiring models from round the world, peace spirituality and developments in Church teaching.‘

Copies of the anniversary edition are still available from the office and you can read a digital copy here:

Justpeace 50th Anniversary Edition

The Time for Peace is Now

Pax Christi International published a declaration in March condemning Israel’s breach of the ceasefire in Gaza and calling on all the parties involved to reinstall the ceasefire, to respect it and the agreements signed and for decision-makers to prioritise international law over their own interests.  

We join in the prayer for a Just Peace and the call:

‘on the international community to act with courage and urgency, demanding an immediate end to the blockade, a halt to the violence, and a renewed commitment to implementing human rights for all.’   

We call on our own UK Government to immediately and unconditionally halt all arms transfers and sales to Israel. We must end our complicity.

You can read a full copy of the declaration on the website here:

PCI Declaration: The Time for Peace is Now

Standing against the forced displacement of the Palestinian people

Over 3000 “Christian Zionist” leaders affiliated with American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) have published a statement calling on President Trump to declare Israeli sovereignty over the entirety of the Holy Land. President Trump is expected to make an announcement on the topic of annexation within the coming week.

Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) have renounced the statement as:

‘wholly inconsistent with the God witnessed to in the pages of scripture and with our moral and ethical obligations as followers of Jesus and the Biblical prophets‘ and a thinly-disguised plan to annex Palestinian land and engage in continued violence against innocent civilians in the occupied West Bank, in Gaza, and beyond.

We’ve joined Pax Christi International, Pax Christi USA, Pax Christi Scotland and others in supporting an open declaration from FOSNA condemning the statement and affirming:

‘the Palestinian people’s inalienable right—affirmed by theology, history, and international law—to a life of freedom and dignity in their homeland‘

And rejecting:

‘all efforts—from the United States, Israel, and others—to dispossess the Palestinian people ….. the supremacy of one people over another ……. and, as Christians, the misuse of the Bible to justify acts that betray the core of our faith and the ministry of Jesus.’

You can read the full declaration here:

FOSNA Declaration

Pax Christi International’s Secretary General Martha Inés Romero visits the UK

At the end of February, we were privileged to host Pax Christi International’s Secretary General Martha Inés Romero for a few days before she travelled to spend a week with our friends at Pax Christi Scotland.

While she was with us, Martha Inés spent time with our staff team, with our Chair Kathryn Lydon and with Ann Farr, our former Chair who is a member of the Pax Christi International Palestine and Israel Working Group. She met with CAFOD and was interviewed live on Radio Maria England. Before she left, Martha Inés was able to join our Justpeace Editor Valerie Flessati and Pat Gaffney (who is involved with PCI’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative) on the London Peace Walk before visiting the British Museum.

A highlight of the visit was an event at the FCJ Spirituality Centre in Euston where Martha Inés spoke to a group of members, supporters and leaders from other organisations. She shared the history of her career in peace and justice work, something of her experience living in Columbia during its ongoing civil conflict and of the work and current priorities of Pax Christi International in its 80th anniversary year.

You can watch a recording of the interview on our YouTube channel here:

In conversation with Martha Inés Romero

And read a report of the event in Independent Catholic News here:

Pax Christi head speaks on commitment “to active nonviolence

Pax Christi International at the United Nations: Interfaith Statement on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

A delegation from Pax Christi International is currently at the United Nations in New York participating in the Third Meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Last week, in advance of the meeting, PCI joined other interfaith organisations in publishing a statement to the meeting. The Statement commends the States Parties to the Treaty for their historic commitment and leadership in working toward a world without nuclear weapons and says that:

‘Building upon the heightened global awareness of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons, we must seize this opportunity and momentum to create tangible progress toward nuclear disarmament‘

As we find ourselves:

yet again at a critical juncture, with ever-rising global tensions, humanitarian crises in many regions of the world, worsening impacts of climate change, and heightened threat of the use of nuclear weapons…….. ‘abolishing nuclear weapons cannot be a distant goal; it is a requirement for our collective survival‘.

You can read the full Statement here:

TPNW Interfaith Statement_Third Meeting of States Parties_March 2025

UK Governments have consistently opposed the TPNW and refused to engage meaningfully in its processes – even failing to send observers to the regular meetings of States Parties. We will continue to urge the Government to reverse this policy.

‘Shameful, shocking and self defeating’ – Our response to the Government’s decision to cut foreign aid increase military spending

We joined other organisations in condemning the UK Government’s decision at the end of February to cut the foreign aid budget in order to increase military spending.

“The announcement that a Labour Government is cutting the UK’s international aid budget by 40% to increase military spending to 2.5% is shameful, shocking and self-defeating” said our National Chaplain Sr Katrina Alton.

“We know that war is profitable, but the blatant transactional capitalism being trumpeted by the US, and that seems to have influenced this UK policy decision, is beyond cynical. Peace cannot be bought but we know that oil, rare minerals, and prime real estate can. To build peace amidst the ruins and devastation of countries such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria, requires investment in people and communities. Peace is relational, never transactional.”

“Throwing billions into the bottomless pit of military spending only does one thing – it increases the share prices of arms companies. Whereas international aid, focusing on education, health, housing, sustainability, is the only way to overcome ideologies of hate and revenge that perpetuate wars and violence. It’s the only way to break the cycles of violence, poverty and injustice without sacrificing the lives of our brothers and sisters to the insatiable appetite of war.”

Our Chair, Kathryn Lydon added: “There is a need for much debate about’ just defence ‘at a time when the previous ‘international order ‘is breaking down. But should our first response be to curry favour with President Trump, who only sees the world through the lens of profit and narrow national interest?”

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we must raise our voices to protect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. We are encouraging all our members and supporters to contact their MP to raise the issue and to let the Government know that we object strongly to the policy change and want to see it reversed.

Demanding F-35 Jet Programme Partner Countries Stop Arming Israel

The F-35 jet programme partners include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, UK and US (lead partner).

Whilst the UK has restricted some arms exports to Israel because of the risk of the weapons being used to commit violations of international law in Gaza, it has been part of a concerted effort to sustain the transfer of components to the F-35 programme. The Government has argued that for reasons of international peace and security it has disregarded its own arms export licensing criteria and international legal obligations to continue exporting components to the F-35 programme, claiming that it is a “matter of such gravity that it would have overridden any […] further evidence of serious breaches of IHL”. Effectively, this means there are no circumstances in which this supply of F-35 components would be suspended by the UK.

The failure by all F-35 partner nations to apply their domestic, regional or international legal obligations and halt the supply of F-35 parts and components to Israel has led to devastating and irreparable harm to Palestinians in Gaza. This failure indicates that partner nations are effectively either unable or unwilling to implement their purported arms export control regimes, or that they chose to apply the law selectively, excluding Palestinians from its protection.

The letter calls on all F-35 partners to do everything in their power to bring the F-35 programme in line with their legal obligations and to immediately halt the direct and indirect transfer of F-35 parts and components to Israel.

You can read the full joint letter and an accompanying fact sheet here:

F35 Programme Joint Letter

F35 Info Sheet

Statements on President Trump’s Proposals for Gaza

Kairos Palestine and the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have each responded strongly to President Trump’s statement last week proposing what can only be seen as the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.

You can read a copy of the Kairos Palestine statement here:

Kairos Palestine: A Betrayal of Justice

And the response from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem here:

A Humanitarian Plea: The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem

In the UK, MP Richard Burgon has tabled an Early Day Motion rejecting the Trump proposals for Gaza and deploring the inhumanity and illegality of any efforts to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza.

To keep the pressure on our own Government to reject the proposal in the strongest possible terms, please ask your MP to sign the motion if they have not already done so:

EDM: Proposals to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza

Protecting UNWRA

On 28 October 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed a Bill banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and occupied Palestine. This will effectively paralyse the agency’s ability to fulfil its mandate as set out by the UN General Assembly in 1949 at a time when, In many areas of Gaza, and almost all of the north, UNRWA is the only humanitarian agency still able to operate.  

The UN has called the unfolding situation in Gaza ‘apocalyptic’ with the entire population in North Gaza now at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence.

The UK is not a helpless bystander. The International Court of Justice ruling makes clear that all states are obliged to take immediate steps to end their own complicity in these violations of international law.  

EAPPI have set up an email campaign to challenge our MPs to act to save UNWRA. You can sign the email here:

www.eyewitnessblogs.com/take-action-unrwa/

89s to midnight

The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists have reset the Doomsday Clock, moving us 1 second nearer to midnight. Here’s what they said:

“Trends that have deeply concerned the Science and Security Board continued, and despite unmistakable signs of danger, national leaders and their societies have failed to do what is needed to change course. Consequently, we now move the Doomsday Clock from 90 seconds to 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been to catastrophe. Our fervent hope is that leaders will recognize the world’s existential predicament and take bold action to reduce the threats posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, and the potential misuse of biological science and a variety of emerging technologies.”

You can read the full statement here: 2025 Doomsday Clock Statement