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"Recognizing the escalation of violence in our world, and especially its impact on women and children, we choose to act with diligence in the pursuit of peace and non-violence."
- IHM Chapter 2000 Directions |
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The Issue
We belong to one human family. Our well-being is intimately connected to the well-being of all people and the vitality of the entire web of life. Rich nations have responsibilities toward poor nations. Conflicts should always be resolved in the most peaceful ways possible, building on mutual respect and solidarity.
For true global solidarity and peace to be achieved, nations must recognize and work on behalf of the global community. Pope John Paul II wrote that "states must consider this peace as a clear moral and political obligation which calls for prudence and determination." Our current economic and value structures emphasize fundamentalism, individualism and imperialism over respect and value for the diversity of ways of living. The focus must move from international competition, militarization and war to a family of nations with a shared global vision of working together to create a just and peaceful world.
IHMs in Action
"Refugees in South Africa Face Grave Crisis" by Annette St. Amour, IHM
"My First Time in Jail" by Alice Baker, IHM
"...A Culture of Peace" by Margaret Brennan, IHM
Economic Arguments Against the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by Amata Miller, IHM
Some Thoughts on Liberating Mission and Peace on Earth by Elizabeth Walters, IHM
Read this month's "11th of the Month Letter" by Mary Fran Gilleran, IHM
Prayer and Reflection Materials
Prayers for Peace (PDF, 78 KB)
"Fortunate Are the Peacemakers" by Sue Rakoczy, IHM
(PDF, 12 KB)
"Season of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East" from the National Council of Churches
Resources
Jim Wallis: "The Global Church and America's War" - From Sojourners magazine (with suggested actions from Barb Beesley, IHM) (PDF, 46 KB)
Learn More about Peace and Global Solidarity - An annotated bibliography (PDF, 76 KB)
Action You Can Take
Take the Non-violence Pledge - The Institute for Peace and Justice
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