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PEACE

The Biblical concept of peace goes beyond the absence of conflict. It is a state of wholeness or well being both at the personal and the communal levels. Peace comes from living in right relationship with God, oneself, others, and the whole of creation.

Catholic teaching makes a strong presumption against the use of force, but also considers the use of force acceptable as a last resort in certain limited circumstances. It contains both non violent and just war strands.

Myths of wartime good and evil
Zac Alstin for Eureka Street, August 14, 2011

Hiroshima and Nagasaki are only the most visible, most memorable, and therefore most culturally significant of the bomb attacks on civilian targets that characterised the Second World War. The Luftwaffe bombing campaign over England claimed more than 40,000 lives, yet the Allied campaign over Germany and occupied Europe is believed to have killed at least ten times that number.  

World Day of Peace January 1, 2011
The World Day of Peace is observed on January 1st, which is also the Solemnity of the Mother of God. The theme for 2011 will be "Religious Freedom, the Path to Peace." For more on the launch of this event, and information on past themes, see  

Violence in Australia: a message of peace
Social Justice Sunday is celebrated on September 26. This year's statement
Access the statement here
Student and Teacher resources
Liturgy Resources

Witnessing to Peace in a Violent World
Ecumenical resources from the National Council of Churches in Australia.

Peace and non-violence
The website of the American peace activist Father John Dear SJ contains resources on peace and non-violence for liturgy, prayer, social justice and more.

If you Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation
Benedict XVI's message for the World Day of Peace 2010.
Five Stars of Peace powerpoint highlighting themes from the message.