Promotion of Peace
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Catholic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept. In the words of Pope John Paul II, "Peace is not just the absence of war. It involves mutual respect and confidence between peoples and nations. It involves collaboration and binding agreements." There is a close relationship in Catholic teaching between peace and justice. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon right order among human beings. |
The promotion of peace has been an evolving tradition within the Catholic Church. From the early church to St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, from Pope John XXIII to Pope John Paul II, this evolution has been a result of the Church responding to the challenges of the day. It has included a tradition of just war, pacifism, nonviolent resistance and arguments against preventative war.
Recent Church documents – Gaudium et Spes from the Second Vatican Council and Pope John Paul II’s Centesimus Annus – and Catholic Social Teaching are moving away from the just war ethic toward an emphasis and framework for lasting peace built on justice and human rights. Pope John Paul II’s 1991 encyclical states, “No, never again war, which destroys the lives of innocent people, teaches how to kill, throws into upheaval even the lives of those who do the killing and leaves behind a trail of resentment and hatred, thus making it all the more difficult to find a just solution of the very problems which provoked the war.” (no. 52) This “peace-making church” is calling all of us to put our human creativity and energy to make sure the option of war is not forced upon us.
Community Groups
Northwest Neighbors for Peace
This group came together in 2005 to bring information and stimulating programs on peace, justice and the sustainability of our planet to the Northwest suburban area of the Twin Cities. They are dedicated to pursuing non-violent alternatives in every area where conflicts arise, promoting social justice and tolerance, conserving natural resources and protecting human rights in our cities, states, country and world. They are an inclusive group and welcome all who are interested.
For further information on their events and locations, please go to www.nwn4p.pbwiki.com or via e-mail – nwn4p@yahoo.com
Overview | Human Dignity | Common Good | Rights and Responsibilities | Option for the Poor | Participation
Dignity of Work I Stewardship of Creation I Solidarity I Role of Government I Promotion of Peace
This page was last updated on 11/24/2008