"The peace we seek cannot come from weaponry, but from a commitment to justice and nonviolent actions
which recognise the dignity of every human person and all creation. We reject models of security that rely on fear,
the demonisation of others or on the strength of arms - conventional and nuclear"
(Pax Christi on peace and security)
On this page we aim to offer statements, reflections and links on security and disarmament
from church-related and other sources
Quick Links
Pax Christi International statement on Iran.
Pax Christi clearly and unequivocally rejects the possibility of military action against Iran as immoral, highly dangerous and counter-productive. Rather, we support continued diplomatic efforts based on mutual respect and dignity. We encourage discussions to bring all states into compliance with their Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations and we support including the Additional Protocol as the non-proliferation verification standard. All countries have a responsibility to encourage definitive movement toward a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East, as well as a treaty banning nuclear weapons.
Averting a war in Iran - a Pax Christi statement
The British Section of Pax Christi today issued a statement setting out seven concrete steps which it is presenting to the UK Government, that could be taken to avert a war with Iran. Any talk of a pre-emptive attack must be challenged as illegal and immoral.
Other statements and documents on Iran
Syria Alert: Seeking ways out of the violence. Produced by IKV Pax Christi Netherlands
In this Syria Alert policy brief, IKV Pax Christi recommends to focus on protecting civilians in Syria and on de-escalating the violence on the ground and in the region. The international community should specifically:
The Baptist Union of Great Britain, The Methodist Church and The United Reformed Church have released a briefing on the economic cost of Trident demonstrating that public services, employment opportunities and national security would all be better off without Trident. Very useful resource.
Lenten study materials on Trident - produced by Scottish Clergy Against Nuclear Arms. Themes covered: massacre of the innocence, nature of nuclear weapons, revenge, status, personal responsibility and churches' response to nuclear weapons.
New: Drone Wars Briefing, written by Chris Cole.
Drone Wars UK explores some of the key issues arising from the growing use of armed unmanned drones in a detailed, yet, accessible way. Examining current UK and US military drone operations, as well as looking at future developments and legal issues, the fully-referenced briefing will be of use to both those new to the issue as well as those with a long-term interest.
Hear Paul Rogers presentation on Global Conflict and Sustainable Security
Given at a Quaker gathering in August 2011
Pax Christi International on Cluster Munitions
Negotiations on a new international law are threatening the comprehensive ban on cluster munitions, as ensured by the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). This new legislative initiative would allow the use of cluster munitions, already being banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Pax Christi International is deeply concerned and shares the objections concerns expressed by the Cluster Munitions Coalition. This new international legislation would cause unacceptable harm to civilians and means a weakening of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Full statement here
Does Unmanned Make Unacceptable? Exploring the Debate on using Drones and Robots in Warfare" - New report by IKV Pax Christi -
Drones and robots are an emerging military technology that has a growing impact on today's warfare. The use of these types of military machinery has brought forward new challenges and discussions which needs to be analyzed and discussed thoroughly due to the nature of these weapons. The use of drones and robots raises military strategic, ethical and legal questions. This report gives an overview of the types of drones and robots which are used, who uses them and where the advantages and disadvantages and ethical and legal questions that came along with the increased use of these machines.
1 - 8 October. Drones Week of Action. Together we can stop the escalating use of armed unmanned aircraft
In recent years we have witnessed the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, to undertake armed attacks. Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya and others have all been subject to military drone strikes by US or British drones. Find out more about the UK involvement and take action in October.
Organised by Drones Campaign Network (which includes Pax Christi Fellowship of Reconciliation, Quaker Peace and Social Witness and others).
21 September, new Charter for the Recognition of Every Casualty of Armed Violence.
Useful factual resources in preparation for Hiroshima and Nagasaki anniversaries.
Worldwide military expenditure in 2009 totalled an estimated $1531 billion, according to new figures released today by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This represents an increase of 5.9% in real terms compared to 2008 and an increase of 49% since 2000. (Launch of 2010 SIPRP Report, 2 June, Stockholm)
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