Learn more about Catholic Social Teaching on peace with these quotes. Follow the links for the full text of documents, and use the questions for reflection and discussion.
In a statement for the annual observation of 10 Days for Peace, the Japanese Catholic Bishops say that peaceful coexistence cannot be protected by wars. Read the full statement here. Which situations in the world do you think the Japanese Bishops were thinking of when they said this? Where do… Read More »Wars Threaten Peaceful Coexistence
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi is the Holy See’s Permanent Observer at the United Nations. He spoke on the need for peace in the Occupied Palestinian Territory at the 21st Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 23 July. He deplored the violence, which is only begetting more violence, and… Read More »Demonisation
The Catholic Bishops of Japan are concerned that new interpretations of the country’s Constitution undermine its Preamble and Article 9 which call for peace and renounce war. “We, the Catholic Church, are convinced that it is false to think that security can be ensured by military buildup and the use… Read More »Japanese Bishops Defend Peace Constitution
Am I really prepared to listen to those with whom I disagree, or do I think I already know what they will say? Am I open to learning from people who are ‘on the other side’ to me in some way? What are the walls that divide me, and the… Read More »Listen & Break Down Walls
How is violence generating violence in your country? Which forms of violence affect you the most directly? Which forms of violence do you think are doing the greatest damage to the peace and wellbeing of the poorest countries of the world, and the most vulnerable people?
What forms of violence do you find yourself entangled in? What are the weapons that need to be silenced in your life and the context in which you live? How might you ‘declare peace’?