Promoting Peace

CST and Disarmament

This two page backgrounder provides the context for development of Church teaching on disarmament, deterrence, and preserving peace. ...more

Article with discussion questions

Can We Teach Peace? , by: Colman McCarthy

September 21 is the International Day for Peace. In this three page reflection, long-time peace educator Colman McCarthy argues that peace can and should be taught in elementary and high schools. Ques...more

Fact Sheets and Handouts

Nuclear Disarmament Through the Decades & Catholic Social Teaching , by: Education for Justice

"As long as nuclear weapons exist they will always pose a danger to humanity of being used or falling into the hands of terrorists, threatening peace and security and even human existence itself." Thi...more

Prayer Service

Prayer Service to Mark the Anniversary of the War in Iraq , by: National Council of Churches

As of March, 2009 more than 4,250 American soldiers have died since the start of the Iraq war on March 19, 2003. The numbers of Iraqis who have died is estimated to be over 1.3 million. More than 4...more

Fact Sheets and Handouts

2008 World Day of Peace Message , by: Pope Benedict XVI

In his January 1, 2008 World Day of Peace Message, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on several main topics, including the challenges of relativism, global citizenship and the family, environmental stewardshi...more

Case Studies

Irak: Rostros y historias (Iraq Faces and Stories--in Spanish) , by: Jill Rauh

This six-page resource, a Spanish translation of the original English version, provides compelling stories for reflection and discussion that put a human face on the war in Iraq. Explore the impact of...more

Interactive Materials

A Pilgrimage for Peace in the Holy Land , by: Jill Rauh

Each year, the Vatican sponsors a "marathon-pilgrimage" for peace in the Holy Land in order to encourage dialogue in this conflict-ridden part of the world. This resource provides instructio...more

Prayer

Psalm 56 , by: Education for Justice

A Psalm to pray anew in this time of war. Listen and pray for the Iraqis, Listen and pray for American troops, Listen and pray for our leaders.

Have pity on me, O God;
for soldiers trample upon me;
all the day they press their attack against me.

My adversaries trample upon me all the day;
yes, many fight against me.

Reflections

Guided Meditation: Summoned to Peace, Called to Be Peacemakers , by: Jill Rauh

The guided meditation, is a tool for prayer that can be used to summon us more deeply into the experience of God's presence and peace. During prayer, we can use our senses to develop a keener awarenes...more

Reflections

Pope Benedict XVI's Message for the World Day of Peace 2007 , by: Education for Justice

In his 2007 World Day of Peace Message, Pope Benedict XVI reflects on respect for the human person as the foundation for peace. Themes of the message include human dignity, respect for rights and life...more