Pax Christi Metro DC Baltimore

Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Catholic Non-Violence

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore had a discussion on what those committed to nonviolence can do in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The discussion was led by Dan Moriarty (Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns' Sustainable Pathways to Peace program coordinator) and Marie Dennis (Catholic Nonviolence Initiative). Numerous participants added their perspectives.

Dan references some documents on this issue in his talk. Here are the links to those articles:

Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns: https://maryknollogc.org/resources/statements/no-war-ukraine-pursue-integral-peace-and-human-security
Pax Christi International statement: https://paxchristi.net/2022/02/23/ukraine-crisis-give-peace-a-chance/
Article by Eli McCarthy: https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2022/02/22/just-peace-approach-ukraine-russia-242441

Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore is a region of Pax Christi USA, a national section of Pax Christi International. Rooted in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, we witness to Jesus’ teaching and example of nonviolence, rejecting war and affirming the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person.

Monthly Reflection

The 2022 World Day of Peace Message: Pope Francis Reads the Signs of the Times

2022-03-04 05:00:24

The 2022 World Day of Peace Message: Pope Francis Reads the Signs of the Times - The theme--lasting peace in the world can be achieved only by responding to the needs of current and future generations--is expressed in Pope Francis’ 2022 World Day of Peace (WDP) message, “Dialogue Between Generations, Education and Work: Tools for Building Lasting Peace.” The pope is continuing his efforts to lay out a path to peace. Without specifically invoking nonviolence as the main structure, in Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis puts out some of its fundamental principles --. commitment to promoting the dignity of each human person, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, the pursuit of the common good and concern for protection of creation. In his 2021 WDP message he emphasizes the result of these principles, a “culture of care.” In the WDPmessage for 2022 he follows Saint John XXIII, reads the “signs of the times” and ..

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Priorities

Human Dignity

The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred. Our passion for peace is rooted in respect for life. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops summarizes the proud tradition of Catholic Social Teaching under seven themes. Life and Dignity of the Human Person is listed first, as the foundation of all succeeding principles and “the foundation of a moral vision for society.” Abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, and war are cited together as violations of our God-given dignity.

Nuclear Weapons

The time has come for new thinking on how to challenge complacency surrounding the belief in nuclear deterrence. Changed circumstances bring new responsibilities for decision-makers. The apparent benefits that nuclear deterrence once provided have been compromised, and proliferation results in grave new dangers. The time has come to embrace the abolition of nuclear weapons as an essential foundation of collective security. . . .

Just Peace

“No one has greater love,” Jesus said, than “to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13), not “to kill others for one’s friends.”