This year has brought new prospects for freedom in the Arab world. The massive movements in Tunisia and Egypt are cries for democracy. Early in this year, Muslims and Christians came together and prayed for change in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. In other countries, the movement towards democracy and accountability seems unstoppable despite the cruel repression it has faced. Inspired and empowered by these examples, many individuals and groups everywhere now show enormous courage in using non-violent means to peace and justice.

While in the past, Pax Christi International made a call for sending wishes and prayers, we now would like to invite you to share in this new climate of hope by exchanging stories of peace.

The stories will be used in Bethlehem, Palestine, and other locations in educational and religious settings. These stories are a sign of hope, and a gesture to these movements that people from outside the Middle East and North Africa care about their destiny.

Please e-mail your inspirational Christmas stories for peace before the 25th of December 2011 (Western Christmas) and/or the 7th of January 2012 (Eastern Christmas). While English is the preferred language, non-native English speakers may also send stories of peace in their mother tongue. Messages can be e-mailed to the Arab Educational Institute at the following address: info@aeicenter.org:.     Read all messages at www.aeicenter.org.

The Pax Christi International Icon depicts Christ as the source of reconciliation, the source of liberation and peace. For more information about the icon please click here.

More information on the action can be found in the following languages: