News and Campaigns

Pax Christi at All Saints, Dagenham. Six formers take part in Pax Christi peace education workshops. More

The second Armed Forces Day will take place on 26th June 2010.  Why not use our Armed Forces Impact! sheet to explore the issues?  Download pdf.

Summer Work Camp
Download a Flyer for the 2010 Summer Camp at the Pax Christi's Peace House in Florence

Pax Christi Icon Week Places are available for two workshops sessions for high school students (Year 9 and 10) to explore and reflect on peace and reconciliation through the inspiring stories of Richard Moore and Barry and Margaret Mizen. Download a flyer for more information

Armed Forces in Schools. A school governor's idea that a Catholic school was no place for the armed forces to use as a recruiting ground was not particularly well received. Join the debate

How does a Peace Studies Day benefit a school? - An article by Mark Dawes reflects on the experiences of Comberton Village College and is available here

A journey of forgiveness inspires London young people.  Over 100 students from Catholic Schools in Westminster Diocese heard Richard Moore share his inspiring story of forgiveness and determination
read more

Young Israelis say no to violence.  The Shministim are Israeli high school students who have been imprisoned for refusing to serve in the army that occupies the Palestinian Territories. Join the campaign to release them from jail, read their stories and watch their video here

Armed forces recruitment of young people - does the MOD glamourise war?  Do young people know what they're signing up to?
read more...

Resources & links

Download the latest Peace Education Newsletter (July 2010)

What Pax Christi can offer in...
...schools
...universities

Prayer and solidarity with the people of the Holy Land this Christmas. Find out more

For Primary: check out resources and ideas here

For Secondary: check out resources here

Powerpoint about Pax Christi for use in assemblies and RE lessons Download

Armed Forces Impact! sheet Download pdf

Peace in Action - a guide to Pax Christi - for GCSE RE groups and Youth Groups.  Available free (postage and packing for orders over 10).

Peace People Who Changed the World Resource for Key Stage 4, download flyer

Where is the love? 10 minute film made by young people about the Arms Fair that happens next to their school.  Download here

Making sense of world conflicts resource for ages 13-17 from Oxfam download here

Videos on global conflict and reconciliation at PeaceChannel

Hot topics! Resource sheets with facts, prayers, poems, stories web links and action ideas - see the latest one on Iraq
read more...

Events and volunteering opportunities

Pax Christi are offering a rich variety of volunteering opportunities for young people in 2010. Download a leaflet highlighting all of the programmes or read more below...

The six form students of All Saints Catholic School in Dagenham spent a couple of February mornings exploring what it means to be a Christian peacemaker.

After some time spent exploring the nature of conflcit and violence the main part of the activities was focussed on what we understand by security and how our understanding of human security might inform our vote in the forthcoming general election.

The students expressed how valuable it was to take a morning off from the academic grind and spend some time discussing, sharing and critically engaging with these issues.

Rachel Kane is second-in-charge of the R.E. department at Our Lady's Convent High School, Amhurst Road, Hackney. Rachel has pursued peace issues for the last 8 to 10 years. The Sixth Form R.E. curriculum contains a Peace component and Rachel has used this to invite Pax Christi to the school on a number of occasions. She has championed 'Make Poverty History'; has organised a mock UN debate at the school with Bruce Kent as chair; she has facilitated war correspondent Stephen Grey to speak on 'The Nature of Modern Warfare' and has introduced the work of 'Justice not Vengeance'. Rachel has lead several trips to Russia to enhance international contacts and overall she has contributed to building a vibrant, caring and egalitarian community at the school.

With the other award winners, from Arundel and Brighton Diocese, Rachel was given a special peace medal from the Neve Shalom / Wahat al Salam Jewish/Arab project in Israel. The Pax Christi Peace Award, given at the Pax Christi AGM in May, was introduced in 2003 to recognise grass roots and community approaches to peace work in the UK.

Sixth formers at All Saints School, Dagenham, London, enjoyed a workshop on Conflict and Violence, run by Pax Christi, as part of their General RE course. 

Here's what one student, Peter Caires, had to say about the experience...

"I was particularly surprised when the concept of ‘conflict’ was revealed as the session’s main purpose; as this was something which had been troubling me particularly that week and the session helped me to realise that I had been confronting conflict in such a negative fashion.

"At first we were reluctant to embrace the various group activities due to mostly embarrassment, but this feeling quickly disintegrated and we found ourselves laughing, discussing and enjoying the discussions and tasks put before us. We discussed meaningful and topical issues, it was interesting to witness the variety of opinion and levels of passion between people, and the role-playing was especially fun to see.

"The session was beneficial in so many ways, and I personally felt that I walked away with a better outlook on life – I felt much more prepared for future conflict in particular (...) I only have good things to say about Hilary and the work of Pax Christi, I didn’t feel patronised or overloaded with information at all, the session was ‘just right!’"

Richard Moore was a 10 year old boy when a British soldier shot him in the face with a rubber bullet. This week, more than 35 years later, he told a group of London young people what forgiveness means to him and about the futility of war.

The Troubles of Northern Ireland seem a world away from a spring morning in St Pancras’ Parish Church where 150 young people from four London schools gathered for a morning organised by Pax Christi. But the venue was an important one. It was the focus of requiems and vigils in the aftermath of the July 7 bombings in Central London. A good place, then, to consider what forgiveness, reconciliation and peace have to offer today’s world.

Instead of holding onto bitterness and resentment, Richard spoke of acceptance and the need for optimism. Richard’s life has been extraordinary. After running 2 pubs and chairing Derry City Football Club, he set up a charity, Children in Crossfire. Children in Crossfire supports local initiatives that improve the daily lives for people living in some of the world's poorest communities. Richard said, “I couldn’t have done what I’ve done without a good family, good community, and, despite all this, to have had choices available. Children elsewhere don’t have that.”

Richard spoke of the 40,000 children who die every day for lack of basic essentials while worldwide, $1000bn was spent on arms. “It’s a situation that’s only going to change with people like you and me.”

After meeting the soldier who shot him in 2005, Richard drew two lessons about forgiveness: “The first is that forgiveness is a gift to yourself, you find freedom in it, and the second is that you’re never going to change the past, but you can change the future.” A product of a strong Catholic upbringing he said, “they can take away my eyesight, but they can’t take away your vision – they’ll always be something positive to find.”

Here's what 3 students from Our Lady’s Catholic School, Hackney, had to say after hearing Richard.

Annie: “it’s been really moving and touching, that after everything he still managed to fogive.”

Veronica: “I’d be quite bitter, I think, it’s amazing how strong he is.”

Celine: “It’s really inspirational that he’s had such a positive life, maybe everyone does have it in them to stop the cycles of violence.”

Report by Dan Hale, Livesimply Youth Coordinator.

Emma Atherton reports on her trip to Ypres, Belgium, to join the Pax Christi Peace Pilgrimage.

On November the 10th Hilary and I travelled to Ypres in Belgium to join 180 other young people for a Peace Pilgrimage to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. During the First World War more than half a million people were killed in Ypres and the surrounding area. On the 11th of November 1918 this cruel war came to an end. Pax Christi Flanders invited people from Belgium, France, Germany and the UK to join them to remember what happened and commit themselves to work for peace.

We arrived in Ypres after an easy train journey from London. The pilgrimage started at 9pm, so we had free time to explore Ypres. We decided to experience some local culture and went to get waffles and coffee. At 8 pm we went to the Menin Gate to hear the last post. The Menin Gate holds 50,000 names of commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives but their bodies could not be found. The Last Post has become part of the daily life in Ypres. The local people are proud of this simple but moving tribute to the courage and self-sacrifice of those who died in defence of their town. There was also a parade on this particular day which included bagpipes, a choir, drums, a brass band and soldiers. This was very moving, it was definitely a once in a life time experience.

When we got back to base there was a welcome at 10pm, then at 10:30pm there was an introduction with music and singing. I enjoyed this because the music was very good. It was a band called ‘Café Bazar’ and they sang a wide variety of songs making it suitable for everyone!

At 11:30 pm there were 12 different workshops available in English, French and Dutch. I took part in a workshop which was about death row in America. This workshop was very interesting and it revealed the struggle and inhumanity which people on death row have to suffer on a daily basis. We then took part in a Taizé vigil of prayer, with a brother from Taizé, this involved singing and moments of silence for prayer.

At 1:15 am we set off on the peace pilgrimage. We were given florescent jackets and orange juice and sent on our way. The weather was less than kind to us. There was torrential rain, the kind of rain that if you go outside for 10 seconds you are soaking wet. It was cold with strong winds, this made it slightly more difficult to enjoy the experience but still spirits were high. We walked in a circle from Ypres, through the surrounding countryside, stopping at cemeteries on the way around for quiet reflection, but not for very long because of the rain! People we walked with included teachers, students, priests and young people from Belgium and France. Whilst walking it was very hard not to make a connection with our walk and the walks that the soldiers had to make everyday. It felt as though we were getting a small look into the daily life of the soldiers in the First World War. We returned to base at 6:30 am and had a lovely breakfast of pan au chocolat and hot chocolate, after that it was about time for bed.

Emma Atherton

The PeaceZone at this years Greenbelt festival was once again a great success.  As 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Gandhi and 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, visitors were invited to go on a journey through 2000 years of Christian nonviolence. 

The display, which also included activities along the way, told the stories of 20 Christian Peacemakers who have been inspired by Jesus’ way of nonviolence to act, and transform, the world around them.  From 4th Century saints to 20th century peace activists - from the famous to the unknown – they have all been inspired by that same spirit of love and compassion.  The display ended with a mirror asking what each person would do for peace. 

The PeaceZone hosted speakers, including Donna Hicks and Jan Benvie from Christian Peacemaker Teams, Maya Anne Evans and Adam Dickson who all talked about specific peacemakers or nonviolent activists who have influenced and inspired them.  

Visitors could also paint part of a Peace Mandala, a geometric design which symbolises difference in unity or knit a square of a peace blanket.

The PeaceZone is a really important opportunity for Christians to engage with peacemaking, ask questions, and to get involved in the work of the organisations that make up the Network of Christian Peace Organisations.

26 young adults from Britain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Uganda participated in the first International Summer Work Camp at the Pax Christi Peace House near Florence, Italy, from the 8-17th August.  One of the participants, Mirjam, from Belgium said;

“It was wonderful, a nice house, friendly people - a great experience!
I hope to see more English people next year!”

The mornings were spent working in teams; gardening, cooking, cleaning and painting.  This was a great chance to get to know each other, as well as helping to maintain the Peace House, which is used by school groups and others throughout the year.

At lunch time we were treated to wonderful Italian homecooked food, and then, after a siesta, we had workshops and discussions on conflict resolution and nonviolence and heard from Tony Dell’Olio on the work of Libera, an organization that encourages ordinary people to challenge the Mafia in Italy.  One afternoon we visited the local mosque and met with the Imam, who talked about Islam and peace.

On the Sunday we had a day off and Carmine, the coordinator at the Peace House, led us on an ‘Art and Peace’ tour of Florence. 

Pax Christi are planning to run the camp again in August 2009 – keep an eye on the website or email Hilary to be added to the email list: education@paxchristi.org.uk

The winning teams of Pax Christi’s European Youth Contest have just returned home after an inspiring trip to Italy. The British team entry ‘ A little Piece of Peace’ highlights the links between peace and the environment and what we can all do to create peace by living more sustainably and sharing the world’s resources. Emma and Claire, two members of the team from St John Fisher Catholic High School in Wigan said:

“We feel inspired! Inspired by the other teams’ videos, inspired by the stories of Giovanni Scudiero, (exec member of Pax Christi International), the other teams and the people who live at Casa per la Pace. It shows that no matter where you are from you can communicate, understand one another, teach one another and most importantly break bread together…. We feel as though everybody has the potential to change the world!”

The teams from France, Portugal and the UK stayed at Pax Christi Italy’s Peace House (Casa per la Pace), in the hills just outside Florence. They explored together the theme of Peace and the Environment, shared the presentations they had made, and made new friends, despite differences in language and culture. The Peace House welcomes international volunteers every year, as well as local school groups. Commenting on their stay Emma and Claire said

“Casa per la Pace is a wonderful place! We do not think there are many places in the world like that. We feel now like members of a family.”

Highlights of the trip included a wonderful day spent in the beautiful city of Florence. Carmine, coordinator of the Casa per la Pace, led the group on an Art and Peace tour of the city, explaining how the city was somewhere people had learnt to live together peacefully, despite their differences. On the last night of the trip the group celebrated Mass together, with prayers and readings in different languages. After dinner the group were treated to a violin duet by two of the volunteers at the Casa per la Pace.

Pax Christi, the International Catholic Movement for Peace, believes strongly in the benefits of bringing young people together to share and learn from each other and breaking down the boundaries of nationality, language and culture. The contest draws on a long tradition of Pax Christi ‘Peace Walks’ all over Europe, which gave young people the chance to ‘walk the road’ together.

Pax Christi will be running the competition again next year. Young people can enter in groups of four with the support of an adult – look out for details on our website in the autumn at www.paxchristi.org.uk

Download the winning entry 'A little Piece of Peace'

"A little Piece of Peace shows how complex issues of poverty, peace, the environment, and global warming are all linked and suggests practical ways that all of us can build a more peaceful world."

The winning teams meet in Florence between 3-6 April 2008. The teams will be staying at the Pax Christi Peace House (Casa per la Pace). The programme for the weekend will include activities to explore the theme of Peace and the Environment, an ‘Art and Peace’ tour of Florence, time for reflection and opportunities for the young people from Italy, France, Portugal, Belgium and the UK to learn from each other.

Pax Christi hopes to strengthen this contest in 2009, encouraged by the quality of work presented this year and in the belief that young people have important messages to communicate to others as to their own views on what it takes to make peace in our world. As an international movement for peace, Pax Christi believes that encounter visits such as this are invaluable in breaking down barriers between people and building friendships that stretch across national and cultural differences.

Volunteering Opportunities for young people

Gap Year

Spend your gap year at Pax Christi Italy's Peace House, just outside Florence, Italy.  See their website or contact the office for more details.

Informed Choice? Armed Forces Recruitment Practice in the United Kingdom' - January 2008

An independent report by David Gee.
Research and publication funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust

Every year, the armed forces recruit around 20,000 people to replace those who leave. An independent report to be published in December asks whether recruits know what they accept when they enlist. Enlistment involves legal obligations that are much more restrictive than anything in civilian employment and an armed forces career carries many risks. The report finds that recruitment literature, web sites and the applications process tend to glamorise warfare and fall short of ensuring that potential recruits are informed of the risks and obligations of forces careers. An independent web site is also being produced for potential recruits themselves, setting out the facts as fairly as possible.

Read the full report at http://www.informedchoice.org.uk

Thinking of joining the armed forces?  get the facts before you sign up http://www.beforeyousignup.info also with information for parents and teachers

Free film and music clips at Peacemakers TV aimed at improving understanding in the UK between Christians and Muslims.

Where is the love? 10 minute film about the DSEi Arms Fair made by pupils from the nearby Royal Docks Community School.  Download from Film Makers Against War website.

Assembly ideas

Peace and New Year Resolutions

Celebrating Peacemaking: Pax Christi primary school resource guide

Bethlehem Advent Project: for schools and families. A prayer project introducing children to life in Bethlehem today through the use of an olive wood Holy Family set, a powerpoint and a prayer/action sheet.

Advent Prayers around the Holy Family Crib

A Bethlehem Story: a powerpoint reflection for children giving a sense of Bethlehem as a living place today

The links listed in the column to the right offer excellent analysis, images, stories and prayers to help you tell the story of life in Bethlehem this Christmas.
You could use them:

• to make a display around your Christmas crib
• in preparation for Advent or Christmas prayer services
• with groups of young people to create a contemporary 'Nativity Story'
• in encouraging people to send Christmas messages for Peace to Bethlehem