Advancing Nonviolence and Just Peace
This series is a collaboration between Casa Esther Catholic Worker House, Omro WI and the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, a project of Pax Christi International.
“Thank you for putting this series together. It was wonderful. It was a tremendous resource for my Challenge of Justice and Challenge of Peace courses. I’ll be using some of the (recordings) for my Spring Course entitled, Peaceful and Ethical Leadership.”
-Joshua R. Snyder Ph.D., Director of the Faith, Peace, and Justice Minor and Assistant Professor of the Practice at Boston College – January 2023
“The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative series was an engaging resource for students. I am grateful for that series and looking forward to learning more about the “nonviolence and care for creation” series as you and your colleagues put it together.”
-Nicholas Rademacher, Ph.D.,Professor in the Religious Studies Department at the University of Dayton – January 2023
This series aims to explore a crucial connection between violence and the climate crisis, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent strategies in achieving sustainable ecological integrity.
The foundation for this thought-provoking exploration is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, particularly drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’ (2015), and his visionary perspective on the role of active nonviolence in nurturing a harmonious relationship between humanity and our planet.
- Class Use: Recordings of each session have discussion/essay questions inserted after each speaker presentation. The YouTube recordings are divided into chapters making it easy to pinpoint a particular presentation.
- Extra Credit Project: When classroom use is not practical, offering the series as an extra credit project is a great option. This series will be an invaluable education experience for your students.
Session One
Why Nonviolence?
This discussion explores the spirituality and the role of nonviolence. Presenters elaborate on how and why nonviolence is such an effective tool in bringing about sustainable political, social, and economic change.
1st Presentation by Ken Butigan, runtime: 18 minutes
2nd Presentation by Elaine Lakam, runtime: 14 minutes
3rd Presentation by Rosie Davila, runtime: 11 minutes
Session Two
Returning to & Exploring the Power of Nonviolence
This discussion places emphasis on the centrality of Gospel nonviolence in the context of today’s world and highlights contemporary examples of Catholic nonviolent responses to violence, including the pilgrimage of inter-religious leaders to Kyiv, following an appeal by its Mayor.
1st Presentation by Marie Dennis, runtime: 17 minutes
2nd Presentation by Rose Marie Berger, runtime: 22 minutes
Session Three
The Christian Foundations of Nonviolence
This discussion explores the Christologically-grounded nature of nonviolence. Among other important fundamental materials, presenters draw on Biblical texts – including scriptures highlighting the nonviolent ethos of Jesus and papal statements relating to Catholic teaching on nonviolence.
1st Presentation by KC Choi, runtime: 21 minutes
2nd Presentation by Lisa Sowle Cahill, runtime: 28 minutes
Session Four
Embracing Nonviolence: A New Moral Framework
This discussion provides and overview of a nonviolent Just Peace Framework. Through case studies, presenters delve into its practical applications on some of the most pressing issues of our time, including the war in Ukraine and conflicts within the context of Kenya.
1st Presentation by Eli McCarthy, runtime: 28 minutes
2nd Presentation by Sr. Teresia Wamuyu Washira, runtime: 29 minutes
Session Five
Embracing Nonviolence: Transforming the Church
This discussion focuses on pastoral implications and opportunities to advance the practice of nonviolence as a way of life within the Church and beyond. It also discusses the efforts of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative to impact the mission on the Church.
