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What is Pax Christi?
In a world that settles differences by armed violence or the threat of it,
Pax Christi offers a nonviolent alternative. In a world that too often
defines “justice” as “revenge,” Pax Christi dares to break the cycle of violence
by fostering reconciliation. In a world where countries invest more money in
weapons than in the well-being of their people, Pax Christi calls individuals to
disarm their hearts and work toward a world free of nuclear and conventional
weapons. Pax Christi is the national catholic peace movement of 14,000 members
who are committed to the gospel imperative of nonviolence. Our membership
includes: Over 550 religious communities; Over 450 parish sponsors; Over 140
bishops; over 130 Youth and Young Adult Forum members; approximately 230 Pax
Christi local groups; and 18 regions that coordinate activities in their
geographic areas.
Pax Christi embraces four priorities:
Spirituality of Nonviolence and Peacemaking
Pax Christi USA promotes Christian nonviolence on the personal, communal,
national and international levels. Believing in the gospel call to conversion as
found in the Beatitudes, Pax Christi USA denounces and resists the evils of
violence while striving to reflect the Peace of Christ.
Disarmament, Demilitarization and Reconciliation with Justice
Pax Christi USA members promote nuclear, conventional and domestic disarmament,
an end to the international arms trade, economic conversion to a non-military
economy, conscientious objection, and nonviolent alternatives to war. Pax
Christi USA promotes the just reconciliation of enemies through the United
Nations and other channels.
Economic and Interracial Justice in the United States
Pax Christi USA joins the struggle against economic injustice, militarism, and
environmental destruction which are particularly harmful to those who are poor,
minorities, children, and women. Pax Christi USA works toward eliminating racist
structures in the Catholic Church and the country, working toward equality of
all people.
Human Rights and Global Restoration
Pax Christi USA promotes universal human rights, both at home and abroad,
through solidarity with oppressed and marginalized people struggling for
dignity. Pax Christi USA rejects every form of political and economic domination
over others and fosters a reverence for all creation.
Purpose:
Pax Christi USA strives to create a world that reflects the Peace of Christ by
exploring, articulating and witnessing to the call of Christian nonviolence.
This work begins in personal life and extends to communities of reflection and
action to transform structures of society. Pax Christi USA rejects war,
preparations for war, and every form of violence and domination. It advocates
the primacy of conscience, economic and social justice, and respect for
creation.
Pax Christi USA commits itself to peace education and, with the help of its
bishop members, promotes the gospel imperative of peacemaking as a priority in
the Catholic Church in the United States. Through the efforts of all its members
and in cooperation with other groups, Pax Christi USA works toward a more
peaceful, just and sustainable world.
Pax Christi Michigan is a regional division of
Pax Christi USA, which in turn
is a section of Pax Christi
International, the global Catholic peace movement.
You do not need to be Catholic, or of any particular faith or
spiritual tradition to join us....All are welcome who share our priorities of
peace & justice through nonviolence!
 
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