This page provides some information and resources about Catholic Social teaching and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also provides resources and information about ways to advocate for peace. Click here to see the cost of war.
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching has 7 key themes that are outlined by the Conference of Catholic Bishop’s. These themes are:
-Life and Dignity of the Human Person
-Call to Family, Community, and Participation
-Rights and Responsibilities
-Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
-The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
-Solidarity
-Care for God’s Creation
Each of these key themes are outlined here.
Catholic Social Teaching about War and Peace.
Information on the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
The conference of Catholic Bishop’s position on the war in Iraq is one of unacceptability and unsustainability. Their position is outlined here.
At the request of the Administrative Committee, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, Chairman of the Committee on International Policy, has prepared this summary of USCCB perspectives on Iraq.
Opinions on the war in Afghanistan and the issues of oil can be found here.
Useful links for information on peace movements
United for Peace
United for Peace and Justice is a coalition of more than 1400 local and national groups throughout the United States who have joined together to protest the immoral and disastrous Iraq War and oppose our government's policy of permanent warfare and empire-building.
Pax Christi
Pax Christi USA strives to create a world that reflects the Peace of Christ by exploring, articulating, and witnessing to the call of Christian nonviolence. This work begins in personal life and extends to communities of reflection and action to transform structures of society. Pax Christi USA rejects war, preparations for war, and every form of violence and domination. It advocates primacy of conscience, economic and social justice, and respect for creation.
Center of Concern
The Center of Concern is a faith-based organization working in collaboration with ecumenical and interfaith networks to bring a prophetic voice for social and economic justice to a global context. The Center is both a provider of information and analysis as well as a catalyst for launching projects to address issues or opportunities that advance an authentic human development agenda. Through analysis, education, advocacy and capacity building, the Center challenges structural injustice and promotes innovative economic alternatives.
Emma's Revolution
emma's revolution is the duo of award-winning, activist musicians, Pat Humphries & Sandy O, who write songs that become justice traditions. A motivating force in intimate concerts and mass demonstrations, infused with inspiration from the legacy of music for social change, Pat Humphries and Sandy O's dynamic harmonies are multiplied by hundreds of thousands. Emma Goldman stood for everybody's right to beautiful, radiant things. Join the revolution!
Invisible Children
Invisible Children is is a movement seeking to end the conflict in uganda and stop the abduction of children for use as child soldiers. The team make documentaries about war-affected children in east Africa and around the world. With 95% staff being Ugandan, the organization focuses on long-term development by building schools, providing techonology, power and scholarships. You can help by donating, signing up to volunteer, buying items on the site's shop or simply by spreading the word.
School of the Americas Watch
SOA Watch is an independent organization that seeks to close the US Army School of the Americas through vigils and fasts, demonstrations and nonviolent protest, as well as media and legislative work.
Fair Trade Federation
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is the trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global fair trade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty.
Prayers for Peace and Justice
An International Prayer for Peace
Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope,
from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.
Peace, peace, peace.
For the human family
Creator God,
in love you have fashioned the human family
in a variety of races, languages, and cultures.
Do not let our diversity divide us,
but help us to welcome gifts
we can give and receive from one another.
Save us from prejudice, arrogance and fear,
and teach us how to live together
as members of one family,
sharing one home,
and the children of one God. Amen.