Non-Violence

To deepen and assimilate more consciously the practice of nonviolence as integral to our charism of mercy.

The United States Catholic Bishops view non-violence as the essential element in a variety of social issues: criminal justice, war, assault weapons, death penalty, health care, economy and housing. They also address several other categories utilizing non-violence as the lens. (Click the following link for the Bishops document on non-violence: (http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/nonviolence.shtml).

In January 2008, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the situation in Iraq:

"To the Iraqis, who are preparing again to take full control of their future, I offer a particular word of encouragement, to turn the page and to look forward in order to rebuild without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnic group or religion."

Each of us is called to act, in whatever way we can, to deepen and assimilate more consciously
the practice of nonviolence in our own lives.

We, as an Institute, have taken a Corporate Stance against the War in Iraq.

Mid-Atlantic Community Response
• Annual “School of the Americas Watch” in Ft. Benning, GA
• Elizabeth, NJ Detention Center Demonstrations and Prayer Vigils
• Annual Witness for Peace Prayer and Demonstration in Washington, DC
• December 31, 2008 Community Day of Prayer on this theme

Prayer for Universal Peace

Open Letter to the Honduran Congress

Links

www.educationforjustice.org
www.paxchristiusa.org
www.unitedforpeace.org
www.afsc.org (American Friends Service Committee)
www.codepink4peace.org
www.forusa.org (Fellowship of Reconciliation)
www.thekingcenter.org
www.penniesforpeace.org
http://ncronline.org/blogs/on-the-road-to-peace (articles by Jesuit Father John Dear)

Suggested Actions
• Pray for a conversion of heart to learn to be nonviolent in our speech and actions
• Education — Read a variety of sources to view different perspectives
• Write a letter to a legislator — Letters available on the Institute website
• Participate in a local or national demonstration for peace