OUR WORK >> BY STRATEGY >> DEVELOPING PEACE SPIRITUALITY AND THEOLOGY

Developing Peace Spirituality and Theology

By developing a spirituality and theology of peace, Pax Christi International aims to bring into public and political arenas moral and ethical principles on the issues of war, violence, justice and peace.

We are convinced that a developed peace spirituality and theology will give rise to motivations and orientations for a closer cooperation in the promotion of justice and peace. People long for a spirituality of peace, for fulfilment and meaning and Pax Christi International offers a forum in which people can grow towards this goal.

Inspiration

Pax Christi International draws its inspiration primarily from the Holy Scriptures and the Social Teachings of the Church. However, it is also influenced by witnesses such as “Gandhi the Peacemaker,” “Franz Jägerstätter –the Martyr of Objection of Conscience,” “Martin Luther King Jr. and his Dream of a Just Society,” “Archbishop Oscar Romero and the Struggle for Nonviolence and Justice,” and many more.

Pax Christi members find inspiration in the Christian roots and tradition of the movement as well as in the dialogue and cooperation with others from different spiritual orientations.

Implementation

Pax Christi fosters the development of” peace spirituality" through prayer and theological reflection, retreats, pilgrimages, and acts of prophetic witness. Prayer opens the heart not only to a deep relationship with God, but also to an encounter with others, marked by respect, understanding, esteem and love.

Many member organisations produce liturgical resources for parishes and communities, promote the Pope’s World Day of Prayer for Peace (1st January) and the International Day for Prayers for Peace on the 21st of September. Masses and liturgies are held on International Days such as the Annual Day for Human Rights on the 10th of December.

Using the language of symbols, some Pax Christi sections capture what is meant by their “spirituality”. This selection of images begins with the icon, “Christ is our Reconciliation”, painted specially for Pax Christi International. To view the various Pax Christi Symbols, click on the link to ‘symbols’.