Hiroshima and Nagasaki anniversaries remembered: Westminster Cathedral London and Coventry Cathedral

Pax Christi members and supporters gave out thousands of leaflets and held prayer vigils outside Westminster Cathedral on 6 and 9 August,engaging tourists, visitors and worshipers in conversation about the Hiroshima and Nagasaki anniversaries. They also gathered signatures on a 'NO Trident' petition. As part of the prayers offered in London and Coventry, a message from the Mayor of Hiroshima, Tadatoshi Akiba was read. He urged the international community to adopt the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Protocal at the 2010 NPT Review Conference.	Information stall, Westminster Cathedral	Chapel of Unity, Coventry Cathedral
Paper cranes and candles, Chapel of Unity, Coventry Cathedral	Leafletting,Westminster Cathedral

4 August 2009

64 years on Christians continue to remember the first use of nuclear weapons

Christians around the country will commemorate the first use of nuclear weapons on 6th and 9th August – the anniversaries of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Events will take place at Cathedrals, outside arms factories and military establishments, to remind communities of the horrors of nuclear weapons and to pray for a change of heart and mind on the part of our own Government to turn away from its nuclear weapons policies.  Speaking of the anniversaries, Pat Gaffney, general Secretary of Pax Christi said: "64 years on and eight states still possess a total of 23,300 nuclear weapons, of which 160 are in the UK. The government plans to spend £76 billion on replacing the Trident nuclear weapons system.  We must work now to reverse this decision and invest in peace based on human and sustainable security, meeting real needs and protecting our planet. This week Pope Benedict has announced the theme for the 2010 World Peace Message, ‘If you want to cultivate peace, protect the creation’.  Nuclear weapons are one of the greatest threats to humanity and to the planet.  Unless we learn to use skills, technology and resources for the good of all creation we are doomed”

Some of the events taking place around the country: London, 6 and 9 August. Pax Christi stall and prayers in the Piazza at Westminster Cathedral from 10.00 - 5.00 on each day. Coventry, 6 August, Chapel of Unity, Coventry Cathedral. Hiroshima Day Commemoration at 6.00pm Derby, 6 August. Hiroshima day vigil at Rolls Royce factory, Raynesway, place where fuel rods to power Trident are made

Aylesford Priory, 6 August. An evening vigil Aylesford Priory, Kent a time of prayer as world leaders renew efforts to reduce the nuclear stockpiles Aldermaston, 8 August. Reading to Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment.An Inter-faith pilgrimage for Peace ending with an inter-faith Oxford, 9 August.  Lantern Floating on Nagasaki Day. 7 p.m. Donnington Bridge, Oxford.

 

17 June 2009

Giovanni Scudiero RIP

It is with great sadness that we have to share the news that Giovanni Scudiero, our friend and colleague, died on Sunday morning 14 June 2009. Pat Gaffney, Coordinator of Pax Christi UK, was with him all of Saturday and during his last night as were his brothers and sister. Giovanni had a terrible struggle for the last hours... as for the last two weeks... such a trial, but through it all he was serene, ready, lucid and as critical as ever. What a great loss to us all. Many friends have been so wonderful in keeping Giovanni in their prayers and thoughts, especially the last weeks and months. His funeral took place in Casa Madre (the mother house of the Consolata Missionaries) where Giovanni had lived in the infirmary during this year of his struggle with cancer on 16 June. Below the tribute offered at his funeral by Pat Gaffney of Pax Christi UK. Here you can read more about Giovanni's life and tributes received from around the world.

A tribute to Giovanni Scudiero from Pax Christi  For 25 years Giovanni’s work with Pax Christi, the international Catholic movement for peace, has been one of the special threads of his life – another expression of his passion to bring peace and justice into our world. Giovanni’s understanding of peace was something alive and active – a peace that disturbs us and moves us to act for others.  Aware of the scale of human suffering caused by injustice, greed, political indifference, Giovanni has always spoken and acted with courage –some say with a prophetic voice -  reminding us that it is only through the power of love in action that we can transform the world. These are some of the gifts that Giovanni has offered us over these years: Discernment: Giovanni always asked difficult questions, such as  ‘whose peace, whose security do we seek?’ Not the peace of politicians. Not the peace of the market place. Not the peace of the military - but the peace of Christ, urging us to stay on this path – no matter how costly this might be. Humour: Giovanni’s warmth, smile and humour opened many hearts and minds in difficult situations.  Giovanni always found the right words, the right gestures, to help people to see one another as human beings first and foremost – and so break cycles of anger and bitterness.

Critical thinking: Giovanni helped us get to the root of problems – sometimes getting under our skin – when he felt people were being damaged by injustice or violence. Their needs were a priority.

Openness: Giovanni was able to communicate to people of all ages, all cultures and traditions. Through his encouragement and support many people throughout the world have been brought into this work for peace – to bring the good news of the Gospel where it has been most needed.

Giovanni, you are our friend, our comforter, our kindred spirit. We know that you have found your own peace now but we ask you to stay with us, disturb us, inspire us to love and serve God and one another as you did in your tireless work for peace and justice.

Pat Gaffney, Pax Christi UK, 16 June, 2009, Torino  

 

Physicians for Human Rights tell of terror attacks on civilians in Gaza

Sr Alicia and Miri

Seeking truth and accountability were the key themes presented by two members of Physicians for Human Rights - Israel, on a speaking tour in England coordinated by Pax Christi and MEDACT. A full copy of the report can be found here Miri Weingarten, international advocacy director for PHR and Sr Alicia Vacas, a member of the delegation and a Comboni Missionary Sister, both produced the report and spoke of their belief that the people of Gaza had been sacrificed in the December 08 - January 09 attacks. The ultimate purpose of the attacks seemed to be to terrorise the people of Gaza. Their mission was in two parts, first in Gaza, to record attacks on medical facilities, gather data on the causes of injuries and deaths and the impact of the attacks on the civilian population and then in Egypt to follow-up on seriously injured people who had been referred to hospitals in Egypt.

In their talks they reported on major delays in the evacuation of injured people - in some cases civilians waited days to be taken for treatment - a number dying from simple wounds because of lack of care. They showed slides of a new, disc-like weapon, released from drones, which caused devastating injuries resulting in a very large number of amputations. They explained that these wounds, the reality of which will stay with the individuals and communities for years to come, will be a terrible reminder of the war. The people of Gaza had experienced a physical amputation as a result of the war... human injury, blockades, etc. At the same time, Miri described what has happened to Israel as a moral amputation - a distancing from the realities of military actions in Gaza, a kind of dehumanising of Israeli society and the military in particular. They spoke of the importance of the UN team, led by Richard Goldstone, to investigate whether Israel and Hamas committed war crimes during the war. The four-member team entered Gaza from Egypt after Israel failed to grant visas, despite repeated requests by the UN. Two days of hearings take place in Jerusalem on 28th and 29 June, followed by similar hearings in Geneva in July, where Physicians for Human Rights will contribute, and the publication of a report in September.

Sr Alicia with members of the Comboni community in London

 

16 May 2009

Pax Christi Annual Meeting - Challenged by South African Bishop

More than 100 Pax Christi members and supporters gathered in London on 16 May for the Annual Meeting of the movement - to learn about the work of the past year and to celebrate achievements of the organisation and of individual members. Those taking part learned of the success of the 2009 Peace Sunday - more parishes than ever had been involved. They also heard of the wide range of publications and resources produced to support people in their own peacemaking at parish and community level. The Pax Christi Peace Award was also presented at the meeting to three sets of people. First, posthumously, to Theresa and Hans Kohen, founder members of the British friends of Neve Shalom / Wahat al Salam. Theresa and Hans had supported Jewish – Christian studies at the Ammerdown Centre, the International Mass at St. Catherine’s Church, Birmingham, and the Jubilee Debt Campaigns. Then, London teacher Rachel Kane, from Our Lady's High School, Hackney, received an award for her support for peace and justice issues in the curriculum. Rachel has championed the work of CAFOD and Pax Christi and engaged her pupils in a critical look at the world, inviting journalists and campaigners to her school.	Executive Committee member Michael Mitchel leads the opening prayer. Chair, Stewart Hemsley and General Secretary Pat Gaffney at the table.
Marjorie and James Welch with Pax Christi President, Bishop Malcolm McMahon.	Marjorie and James Welch have have devoted more than 30 years to the work for peace and justice. In the 1970’s they created a Justice and Peace group in Twickenham to raise awareness of Nuclear Disarmament, an issue much to the fore at the time. In the 80’s they played their part in spreading the word of peace, particularly at parish level, addressing the question of how to engage parish clergy. Marjorie and James have been an inspiration to many, in their persistence in the work of bringing peace, they have not given up, nor lost hope or perspective but persevered on their journey of life, faithful to the Gospel. Each was given a special peace medal from the Neve Shalom / Wahat al Salam Jewish/Arab project in Israel. The Pax Christi Peace Award was introduced in 2003 to recognise grass roots and community approaches to peace work in the UK. Read more about the Peace Awards Guest speaker, Bishop Kevin Dowling addressed the theme of transitional justice - in particular relating to his own work in Sudan and Zimbabwe. Bishop Kevin is a Vice-President of Pax Christi International and deeply involved in issues of peace, justice and HIV/Aids.
Bishop Kevin Dowling from South Africa addresses the audience	Bishop Kevin spoke of his involvement in peace initiatives in Africa, particularly expressing concern about the 2005 peace agreement in Southern Sudan which ended several decades of civil war. He attended a meeting in March 2009 in Khartoum where Christian leaders spoke of the possibility of war erupting again unless resources are put into rebuilding the South’s ruined infrastructure and community services. “The international community should work together to implement programmes on the ground, for example, with the internally displaced” he urged. He outlined the work of the Solidarity Peace Trust in relation to Zimbabwe. Set up by bishops from Zimbabwe and South Africa, including Bishop Dowling, it has documented and denounced human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, calling for an end to the impunity of state-sponsored abusers. He said Pax Christi members open up opportunities for peacemaking and help create “a global community of solidarity” and he urged more people to join the British section. Full text of Bishop Dowling's talk here

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23 March 2009

Schools hear story of forgiveness and resilience

Over 100 students from Catholic Schools in Westminster Diocese heard Richard Moore share his inspiring story of forgiveness and determination at a gathering organised in central London by Pax Christi.

At the age of 10 Richard was blinded by a rubber bullet (see photo on the right) after being shot by a British soldier in Derry 1972. He described his childhood, coming to terms with his disability and the support he experienced from his parents and siblings which have helped him to live without anger or bitterness. In 2006 Richard met Charles, the soldier who had blinded him. He spoke of the role of forgiveness in his life: "Forgiveness is a gift to yourself, I was able to find the freedom to be able to give forgiveness. Forgiveness is also about realising that while you cannot change the past you can change the future".

Referring to the prayers and concerns of his family, that some cure might be found for his blindness Richard said: "I have not had my sight restored but I have gotten a lot more - a vision". This vision has enabled him to found Children in Crossfire, a charity set up to help other children across the world who are caught in poverty and conflict.  Speaking of the importance of this work he said: "I have first hand experience of what it is like to have your whole life changed or affected by conflict. In the last 10 years Children in Crossfire has been working to improve the lives of young people right across the world. We have seen the difference that support and understanding can make."

In his closing remarks Richard affirmed his belief that violence and war achieve nothing. He remarked on the renewed fears in Northern Ireland that violence will return following the murders in February, but reminded the students that dialogue and mediation are the only real way to achieve peace.

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20 March

Remembering Iraq and Afghanistan - 6 years on

Two Christian Peace Organisations, Pax Christi and the Fellowship of Reconciliation, will hold a prayer vigil at Downing Street on 20 March for all victims of war and violence Afghanistan and Iraq.

Pat Gaffney of Pax Christi said: "The people of Afghanistan are now living through their eighth year of war following the tragedy of 11 September 2001. 20 March 2009 marks the 6th anniversary of the start of the war with Iraq. Our vigil is to remember the people of Iraq& Afghanistan, to pray for all those tens of thousands who have died in war and violence over the past years and to repent at the role our nation has played in these wars"

According to the Nobel Economist, Joseph Stiglitz, the budgetary cost to the UK alone of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will reach £18 billion by the year 2010. If the social costs within the UK are added, the total impact on the UK will exceed £20 billion

143 and 178 military personnel have been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq respectively. In March 2008 Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul was kidnapped and murdered in Iraq. The Christian community of Iraq has decreased from 1.4 million in 2003 to around 600,000 today and continues to experience persecution

The vigil, which will run between 4 - 5 pm, will include times public prayer where names of those who had died will be read out.

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26 February

Ash Wednesday call to turn away from Trident and nuclear war preparations

The annual Ash Wednesday liturgy of Repentance and Resistance to nuclear war preparations took place at the Ministry of Defence in London on 25th February, drawing more than 70 Christians from around the country. This witness, which began in 1984, uses powerful liturgical symbols associated with the day and acts of nonviolent civil disobedience to call the British Government to repent and reject nuclear weapons and nuclear war preparations. This action was organised by Pax Christi with Catholic Peace Action and Christian CND. Following prayers in Embankement Gardens, where charcoal and ash were blessed and those taking part were marked with the sign of the cross, the group formed a procession, stopping first at the Old War Office and then at the Ministry of Defence Building. On route the building was marked with blessed charcoal by members of the London Catholic Worker. Prayers were offered for victims of war and violence while black and purple ribbons were tied to a white cross. At the MoD building the word REPENT was marked on sackcloth laid at the front entrance.

This annual witness seeks to articulate messages and teaching of Christian churches. In his 2006 World Peace Day message Pope Benedict XVI said “What can be said, too, about those governments which count on nuclear arms as a means of ensuring the security of other countries? Along with countless persons of good will, one can state that this point of view is not only baneful but also completely fallacious. In a nuclear war there would e no victors only victims…” and from 20 Anglican Bishops, writing in 2006, “Nuclear weapons are a direct denial of the Christian concept of peace and reconciliation, which are social and economic as well as physical and spiritual...The costs involved in the maintenance and replacement of Trident could be used to address pressing environmental concerns, the causes of terrorism, poverty and debt, and enable humanity and dignity to be the right of all.”

all photos by Elil - to see more go to Elil's photogallery

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23 February

Remaining Steadfast for Peace - Pax Christi Delegation to Palestine/Israel

Members of a Pax Christi delegation returned to the UK on 20 February following an 8 day visit to Palestine and Israel. The focus of the visit was to make contact with teachers and those working with young people, to encounter life and occupation in the West Bank and Jerusalem and to meet with Pax Christi partners- women, teachers, peace and human rights NGOs - to learn from them and share approaches to teaching and presenting issues of conflict and violence.

An overarching concern, expressed by nearly all those whom the delegation met, was the war with Gaza. Many Christian and Muslim Palestinians articulated their fear that the West Bank would be 'next' and their frustrations that in spite of so many words of concern about the impact of occupation by the international community, nothing on the ground has improved. Teachers spoke of how their pupils had appeared absent minded in class during the war and how they had to struggle to prevent the burden of Gaza from overwhelming their students.

The delegation also experienced some of the practical realities of occupation that Palestinians face on a daily basis. They joined Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) volunteers at the Bethlehem checkpoint at 5.00 am in the morning to witness the humiliation of hundreds of Palestinian workers who queue daily, some from as early at 2.00 am, to pass through turnstiles and security searches in order to work in Jerusalem. In Hebron the delegation joined Accompaniers who walk daily with teachers and pupils of the Cordoba school to protect them from harassment from Israeli settlers who live in the centre of the old city and from members of the Israeli Defence Forces who staff checkpoints.

In spite of the hardships and mis-treatment of people the delegation were aware of a great spirit of steadfastness or Sumud (the Arabic word) in the lives of those they met. Israeli and Arab teachers who bravely challenge acts of violence and stereotyping of the 'other'; mothers who talk of their pain 'giving them power' to overcome obstacles; young people who choose to stay and make a life for themselves in a situation that seems totally hopeless; Israeli and Palestinian NGOs, some working to monitor human rights while others work to restore the culture and traditions of Palestine that are threatened by occupation.

On 14 February the delegation joined with their partner organisation the Arab Educational Institute near the separation wall at Rachel's Tomb at the entrance to Bethlehem for a candle-lit vigil for peace in Israel and Palestine. Prayers for peace and texts from holy scriptures were read during the vigil. The delegation will work to produce a range of reports and resources based on their visit and make these available through Pax Christi's networks and website.

Download leaflet about candle-lit vigil for peace in Israel-Palestine

Watch video of candle-lit vigil for peace in Israel-Palestine

Members of the delegation - all Pax Christi members: John Harkin, Vice-Principal, Oakgrove Integrated School, Derry, Northern Ireland; Ann Farr, Pax Christi Executive Committee member, Coventry; Mary Boley, Christian Education Centre, Tooting, London; John Williams, Adviser Catholic Education - secondary support team, Westminster Diocese, London; Hilary Topp, Peace Education Worker, Pax Christi; Pat Gaffney, General Secretary, Pax Christi.

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24 January

Award for Pax Christi Volunteers

Five Pax Christi volunteers were given an award in acknowledgement of their work by the Mayor of Barnet, John Marshall at a ceremony organised by Barnet Volunteer Council on 23 January. The ceremony took place at Middlesex University, who partnered the evening with Barnet Voluntary Service Council.

The volunteers, Peggy Oliver, Helga Calloway, Sr Mary Ann Tyler, Sr Margaret Terese and Michael Mitchell, had each contributed more than 100 hours to Pax Christi. At the ceremony Mayor John Marshall spoke of the enormous value of volunteering to the community, calling volunteers the salt of the earth.

Pax Christ would be unable to undertake much of its work without the commitment, energy and encouragement of its volunteers. Fausta Valentine, Pax Christi's Administrator said: In our busy world it is heart warming to find people who are generous with their time and skill to work for the common good". Peggy Oliver is a member of Our Lady of Dolors parish in Hendon; Helga Calloway is from Christ the King parish, Cockfosters; Sr Mary Ann is a member of the Religious of the Assuption, Kensington; Sr Margaret Terese is member of the Franciscan Sisters of Mill Hill. The fifth award winner Michael Mitchell, was unable to attend.

Top: Helga Calloway, Fausta Valentine (Pax Christi Administrator), Sr Mary Ann Lower: Sr Margaret Terese and Peggy Oliver, at Middlesex University ceremony

Sr Mary Ann, Sr Margaret Terese and Helga Calloway in the Pax Christi office

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20 January

Peace Sunday celebrated in style

Pax Christi members around the country helped to mark Peace Sunday in parish and other communities. Peace Sunday, celebrated in England and Wales on the Second Sunday in ordinary time, is a time to learn about the Pope's annual Peace Day message and the work of Pax Christi. Members use this opportunity to engage all ages in thinking about, praying for and celebrating peace. Thousands of the new Pax Christi family prayer cards were given out - in many cases by the children of the community. Other parishes took up the invitation to say NO to child soldiers, encouraging children to write their 'Hands up for Peace' messages, which are to be gathered and sent to the UN in New York by 12 February 2009 Look at more images celebrating Peace Sunday over the years... they may give you ideas and encouragement for next year.

Parishoners from a parish in North Finchley, London, help to give out prayer cards

International students with Chaplain Rev Stuart Jennings at Warwick University Chaplaincy - lighting candles as a commitment to peacemaking in the year ahead

Hands up for Peace - young people at a London Parish write their messages to the UN to protest against children being used in war

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10 January 2009

Pax Christi joins with other Christian groups at rally for Gaza

Members of Pax Christi, Quakers, Friends of Sabeel and others gathered for a silent witness in Hyde Park at the start of a rally for Gaza. 10 January marked the 15th day of heavy Israeli military action in Gaza. The rally drew thousands of people from around the country including many hundreds from the British Muslim communty as well as Jewish groups such as Jews for Justice for Palestinians and the Jewish Socialists. At one point during the speeches in Hyde Park names of children who had been killed in Gaza were read out.

Pax Christi has called on its members and churches around the country to pray for peace in Palestine and Israel and will continue in its work to offer solidarity to peacemakers in the region and in the UK. The people of Gaza continue to carry the terrible burden of military violence. These 15 days have compounded the humanitarian crisis that was created by the seige of Gaza. In February Pax Christi will send a delegation to the West Bank.

Silent Vigil in Hyde Park	Message from "Jews for Justice for Palestinians"
Message at rally in Hyde Park	Rally in Hyde Park

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6 January 2009

In the skies above Gaza lightning falls on human rights

"It is out of a spirit of hope in a time of great sadness and fear that the British Section of Pax Christi calls on Churches throughout the UK to pray and act for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel.

On this the 11th day of the military bombardment of Gaza, with no ceasefire in site, we must show our solidarity with the dispossessed who suffer the violence of the bombs and the violence of the on-going siege.  We must show our solidarity with those Christians, Jews and Muslims in the region who bravely call for an end to violence – pointing to futility of violence and military responses to the long and tragic political problems of Palestine and Israel.

We are with Pope Benedict in declaring that, "the dramatic news that we are receiving from the Gaza Strip shows that the refusal to dialogue leads to situations that weigh unspeakably on the populations who are again victim to hatred and war" (Speaking in Rome, Angelus,  4th January 2009)

We are with former International President of Pax Christi, Patriarch Emeritus of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah who has said that “every hour is not just a war crime but a crime against humanity.” The Patriarch was speaking earlier this week at a service in Jerusalem.  "In the skies above Gaza lightning falls on human rights. We have seen this in the past and what we see in the Strip, unfortunately, is repeated generation after generation. It is not an act of God. God created man in His own image and likeness, created love and reconciliation and justice, but what we see is the destruction of human beings in Gaza and everywhere, and the destruction of all of Palestine."

In preparing to mark Peace Sunday on 18 January 2009

1. We ask that people of faith set aside time each day to pray for the people of Gaza and Israel and for a ceasefire which will allow time for other responses and voices to be heard.  On 18th January the Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates Peace Sunday – on this day special thoughts and prayers should be offered for the people of Palestine and Israel.  
2. We ask fellow citizens to speak or write to political and religious leaders expressing concern for what is happening and urging them to use their position and voice to call an immediate halt to Israel’s military assault and Hamas’ rocket attacks on Israel, and work towards the ending of the illegal occupation of Palestinian Territories by Israel – at the root of so much of the injustice, fear and anger in the region.
3. We ask people of faith to join together at local and national level, with secular groups, to speak out and act nonviolently against the destruction of the people of Gaza and the threats to the civilian population of Israel. "

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