~ In this issue ~
General Assembly Pax Christi International 2004
Study, Action and Prayer Spirituality Project
Youth Forum
Americas & Caribbean
Middle East
Security, Demilitarisation and Arms Trade
Human Rights
Alternatives to Violence
News from Membership Organisations
International Calendar / You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the linked documents. Visit to download a free copy.
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General Assembly Pax Christi International 2004
The General Assembly of Pax Christi International took for the first time in its 60 year history place in North America, the USA, at SetonHallUniversity in New Jersey, 19 – 23 May 2004. Over 160 people coming from nearly 50 different countries gathered to map out areas of cooperation and shape common strategies for peacemaking for the next several years. Many people came from Africa, Asia & Pacific, Europe and Latin America. A Festival of Hope and two days of advocacy in New York and Washington, DC followed the General Assembly.
Executive Committee
H.B. Michel Patriarch, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has been re-elected as President of Pax Christi International. Jef Felix from Belgium has been elected the International Treasurer. Eight new members for the Executive Committee have been elected: Katalee Sikharangkura (Thailand), Loreta N. Castro (Philippines), Bishop Kevin Dowling (South Africa), Snježana Kovačević (Croatia), Giovanni Scudiero (United Kingdom), Marina I. Shishova (Russian Federation), Bert Van Horssen (Netherlands) and Georg Hörnschemeyer (Germany). Laura Vargas (Peru) has been elected as a Vice President and Marie Dennis (USA) and Msgr. Laurent Monsengwo (DRCongo) have been re-elected as Vice Presidents of the movement. More…
War on Terror
The war on terrorism, the crisis in Israel and Palestine, Iraq as well as the need for inclusive security formed the basis for most of the discussion and planning at the Pax Christi International General Assembly. The movement urged the government of the United States to work within the framework of international law and act as an honest broker to support Palestinians and Israelis equally in developing trust-building measures. This work is to be supported by practical campaigning by members of the movement on the security wall in Israel/Palestine and in support of Israeli conscientious objectors.
The final declaration of the gathering committed Pax Christi International to work for a world at peace; a world profoundly opposed to that sought by terrorists and by the 'war on terrorism’; a world shaped by inclusive human security and the globalisation of solidarity. It also calls on the "US and the UK to cease all offensive military actions in Iraq and allow the United Nations as to assume appropriate responsibility for enabling a just and peaceful transition to Iraqi authority”.
A plea was also made to the Churches. "We are people of faith; we believe that another world is possible, and we commit ourselves to helping birth it. We echo the cry of Pope John Paul II that 'war is always a defeat for humanity'... As Christians we call our churches to the prophetic task in these dangerous times of speaking truth to power and to the challenging pastoral task of helping us reclaim Gospel values, nurture justice and right relationships and participate in the transformation of the world."
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Documents on the General Assembly available from the International Secretariat:
- “Building Foundations for Inclusive Security.” Declaration of the Commissions adopted at the General Assembly, 22 May 2004. Ref.: IC.88.E.04.
- Profile of the new members of the Executive Committee, Ref.: EC.12.E.04.
- “World Catholic Leaders Criticize Religious Motivation of War on Iraq.” PCUSA Press Release, 21 May 2004, Ref.: IC.93.E.04.
- “International Catholic Peace Movement Calls for the Closing of the School of the Americas.” PCUSA Press Release, 22 May 2004, Ref.: IC.94.E.04.
- Homily at the General Assembly of H.B. Michel Sabbah, International President, 20 May 2004, Ref.: PS.12.E.04.
- Closing Words of H.B. Michel Sabbah, International President, 22 May 2004, Ref.: IC.56.E.04.
- Presentation of the 2004 Pax Christi International Peace Award - Sergio Vieira de Mello, Speech H.B. Michel Sabbah, International President, Ref.: IC.55.E.04.
- Homily at the Festival of Hope of H.B. Michel Sabbah, International President, Ref.: PS.10.E.04.
Festival of Hope
A Festival of Hope immediately followed the General Assembly. That Festival was a weekend program that brought international participants from the Pax Christi General Assembly together with approximately 150 Pax Christi USA.
On 22 May several events took place: a consultation on global peacemaking issues, workshops led by people from around the world and a Peace Bazaar with displays from Pax Christi International member organizations.
On 23 May, another round of the global consultation took place, followed by the Pax Christi International Peace Award Ceremony and a Liturgy of Peace and Reconciliation.
The Festival of Hope was primarily an occasion to meet friends from our Pax Christi family worldwide. By sharing our concerns and hopes for the future, participants were able to strengthen their capacities and motivations in favour of a more just and peaceful world.
Consultations
The two-day consultation was entitled “From the War on Terrorism to Inclusive Security” and took place on Saturday afternoon, and concluded Sunday morning. The conversations, in the format of a fishbowl, focused on responses to terrorism, and because that concern is having such an enormous impact on the foreign policy and international relations of many countries, participants explored that topic from different perspectives. Each fishbowl included Pax Christi International representatives from parts of the world profoundly affected by terrorism and the response to terrorism and people from the U.S. Catholic community, including academics, theologians, and peace practitioners.
Peace Award 2004
Pax Christi International awarded Sergio Vieira de Mello as a UN civil servant, laureate of the ‘Pax Christi International Peace Award 2004’. This prize, awarded posthumously to Mr de Mello, demonstrates Pax Christi’s deepest appreciation for the relentless work for peace of the UN in many conflict regions in the world. In his capacity as a UN civil servant, Sergio de Mello made visible the essential but often-risky role the UN must play in bringing and maintaining peace. This became particularly clear when he was fulfilling his UN mandate in Iraq. By recognising Mr. de Mello Pax Christi International wished to express its appreciation for the work for peace and human rights of UN personnel, active at all levels. Like Sergio de Mello, they often have to do their job in extremely difficult circumstances.
With this award, and the short ceremony on that occasion, Pax Christi International also honoured the efforts of the UN to avoid the war in Iraq through diplomacy and inspections. Many people around the world supported the UN in these efforts, whether they be the millions of individuals in the streets making their voices heard, or the thousands of activists within NGOs working for peace and human rights. They believe that war is not the answer and see the UN as the expression of this conviction and as the instrument which can prevent war and bring peace.
H.B. Michel Sabbah, International President, presented the Award. H.E. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, accepted the Award and a message of acceptance has been read.
Advocacy in New York and Washington, DC
In light of the Iraq prison abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib, deepening chaos in the Middle East and the increasingly negative perception internationally of the United States, delegates from Pax Christi International participated in “Eyes from the Outside: Perspectives from Abroad on the U.S. War on Terrorism,” two congressional briefings that included perceptions on the U.S. from abroad, Christian-Muslim relations and what is required to change the U.S.’s negative image.
The briefings in the U.S. capitol followed the General Assembly of Pax Christi International which concluded on 24 May 2004 with a 55-person delegation of Catholic bishops, priests, women religious and lay leaders a set of meetings took place with different community around the UN in New York. The meetings included a consultation with Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Vatican nuncio at the United Nations as well as with the office of the UN Secretary-General.
International Policy Committee US Bishops’ Conference
A delegation of Pax Christi International, headed by H.B. Michel Sabbah, International President, met with the International Policy Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on 25 May 2004 in Washington, DC. Msgr. Laurent Monsengwo, Archbishop of Kisangani and Vice President, and Etienne De Jonghe, International Secretary, presented the concerns of Pax Christi International before the Committee. Bishop Paride Taban from the Sudan spoke about the peace process in his country.
Action and Prayer Spirituality Project
In June 2004, we publish the contribution from Pax Christi Australia onStudy, Action and Prayer Spirituality within Pax Christi International. Ref PS.29.E.03. For more information on this project and to read other contributions visit:
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Middle East
Pax Christi UK joins rally against Israel's 'security wall'
Members of Pax Christi UK joined many Muslim, Jewish and other Christian groups in Trafalgar Square on 15 May 2004 to protest against the construction of Israel's security wall.
Once completed, the 700km wall, which was started in June 2002, will divide families and prevent more than 210,000 Palestinians, living in the area between the wall and Israel, from having effective access to social services, schools, places of work and worship.
Speakers at the rally organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign included actress Vanessa Redgrave, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Afif Safie - Palestinian Delegate to the UK, Jamal Jumaa - Director of Stop the Wall Campaign Palestine. Caroline Lucas, MEP spoke of her recent visit to Palestine and the town of Qalqilya, which has virtually become a prison as a result of the wall - with only one road open for access.
Pax Christi UK has just published a new resource pack: “Living Under Occupation - daily life for the people of Palestine”, to help church-based groups and others understand the impact of checkpoints, the wall, and the miniaturization of Palestine.
Pax Christi also plans its own campaign on the wall - this will be launched in June taking for its theme the words of Pope John Paul II, People of the Holy Land need bridges not walls. Speaking in October 2003 Pope John Paul said: "The Holy Land does not need walls but bridges.... Without the reconciliation of spirits, there can be no peace. May the leaders have the courage to return to dialogue and negotiation, thus opening the way toward a Middle East that is reconciled in Justice and Peace."
Living Under Occupation - daily life for the people of Palestine is available from Pax Christi for £6.00 plus postage. For more information contact: .
New Middle East Documents available from the International Secretariat:
- Letters from Bethlehem, nr 61, Arab Educational Institute, ref.: ME.41.E.04
- “The Road to Perdition!” Dr. Harry Hagopian, ref.: ME.43.E.04.
- “Homeless? Feckless? Clueless?” Dr. Harry Hagopian, ref.: ME.47.E.04.
Youth Forum
Youth Policy in Europe
On 23 and 24 April 2004, the European Youth Forum, of which the Pax Christi Youth Forum is an observer member, held its Council of Members in Brussels. On the agenda were a wide range of topics concerning youth and youth policy in Europe, including youth mobility (including the issue of visas), the challenges posed by globalisation and the participation of young people in local and regional life. Future strategies for promoting youth work in South East Europe were also discussed. Michael Roekaerts participated in this meeting.
The Council of Europe organised a major conference on the theme of “Europe, Youth and Globalisation” from 6 to 8 May in Strasbourg, France. Under the slogan “How Big Is Your World?” more than 400 young representatives of civil society - including non-governmental, political and religious youth organisations from across the globe, as well as minority and student associations - took part in the meeting, which included a ‘Village Forum’ on the lawn in front of the Council of Europe on the afternoon of 6 May. The overall aim was to encourage good governance and to protect human dignity worldwide. Igor Dordevic of the Centre for Peace, Non-violence and Human Rights represented the Pax Christi Youth Forum in this event.
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Security, Demilitarisation and Arms Trade
Defence and European Constitution
European Parliament elections will take place 10-13 June 2004. In order to facilitate advocacy work on the Defence and Security aspects of the European Union prior to the election some national sections of EU member states together with the International Secretariat have devised an action plan to address prospective candidates.
All EU sections are invited to write to their national candidates at the European Parliament elections, pointing out to them the recommendations concerning peaceful conflict resolution that are shared among the Pax Christi sections in the EU countries. In the letter, the EU sections of Pax Christi point out that the primary concern is that European policies in the areas of defence and security be inspired by principles of peace and non-violence, co-operation and mutual trust among peoples, in accordance with the spirit and vision of the founders of both the European Union and the United Nations. Therefore, the letter urges that the future European Constitution to include an article in which the European Union repudiates war as a means for the resolution of international conflicts and positively strives for building peace in the world. Furthermore, recommendations in the field of conflict prevention, conflict resolution as well as reconciliation and reconstruction are being made.
The full letter can be found here: SD.20.E.04. See also a Reflection Action Sheet made by Pax Christi UK: Or see ref.: SD.22.E.04.
Global Week of Action Against Small Arms
The theme pf the Week of Action is the Control Arms Campaign, calling for an Arms Trade Treaty. The Week of Action will take place 1 – 9 July 2004 and is being organised by IANSA, the International Action Network against Small Arms. Pax Christi International is a member of IANSA. The purpose of the Week of Action is to raise media and public awareness of the devastating impact of small arms on so many people’s daily lives, and to highlight the worldwide efforts being made to stop it. Member organisations of Pax Christi International are invited to join the Week of Action. For more information contact: .
Bishop Gumbleton Urges PCUSA Members to Support OREPA Witness in August
Organized by Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA). This witness and actions are well organized to train people from all over the country in the ways of non-violent action as they protest the building of nuclear weapons components at the Y-12 nuclear weapons production facility. Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, former Bishop President of Pax Christi USA, is calling upon Pax Christi members to support the project. For more information, go to or contact OREPA's Coordinator, Ralph Hutchinson at .
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Human Rights
Updated Resource Available on the International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the world’s first permanent tribunal established to try individuals for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Established by the Rome Statute of 1998, the Court is an important step to ending impunity for the war-related crimes.
As part of its effort to promote universal ratification of the Rome Statute, a campaign has been launched to reach the symbolic milestone of 100 States Parties. Presently, 94 countries have ratified the Rome Statute.
The Pax Christi ICC Action Guide has been updated to reflect some of the newest developments in the campaign for the ICC. Access this newly updated resource in English, French or Spanish here (Ref. IL.03.EFS.04.)
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Americas & Caribbean
Strike in BarrancabermejaColombia
The workers at ECOPETROL in the city of Barrancabermeja are conducting a strike already for several weeks. ECOPETROL is the huge Colombian refinery in Barrancabermeja. Nearly 5.500 workers have laid down their work. The Colombian government has declared the strike to be unauthorized. This means that, the families of the strikers are without any income, many for several weeks, and they fear they will ultimately lose their jobs. On 23 April 2004, in the name of Pax Christi “Solidaritätsfonds Eine Welt” Christine Klissenbauer sent a message of solidarity to the president of the trade Union in Barrancabermeja. A copy of this letter is available from the International Secretariat, LA.24.S.04. Also Msgr. Jaime Prieto, bishop of Barrancabermeja, wrote a message of solidarity with the victims. The message is available in LA.23.S.04.