Promotion of Peace, Nonviolence, and Disarmament

“Only a humanity in which there reigns the ‘civilization of love’ will be able to enjoy authentic and lasting peace.” –Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #582

white candles on black surface in shape of peace symbol promoting a nonviolent approachThe common good and human flourishing can only be fully attained when all human community members can live without violence and with a peace based on social justice.

Discover a robust collection of resources that illuminate the Catholic Social Teaching themes of peace, nonviolence, and disarmament. Rooted in the Gospel call to be peacemakers, these materials inspire individuals and communities to work toward justice, reconciliation, and the elimination of violence in all its forms.

EFJ Resources on Peace, Nonviolence, and Disarmament

  • Faith-Based Reflections and Prayers: Spiritual resources to guide contemplation and action on building a culture of peace and nonviolence.
  • Lesson Plans and Educational Tools: Engaging materials that explore the Church’s teaching on peace, the ethics of disarmament, and the power of nonviolent action.
  • Multimedia Resources: Inspiring videos, stories, and infographics that highlight real-world efforts to promote peace and reduce conflict.
  • Advocacy Guides: Practical steps for advancing justice, supporting disarmament efforts, and fostering reconciliation in divided communities.

These resources help connect faith with action, equipping individuals to engage with the pressing challenges of violence and conflict through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Whether used in classrooms, parishes, or advocacy work, these tools support a deeper commitment to peacebuilding and the promotion of human dignity.

Prayer Service for the International Day of Peace - September 21

The United Nations General Assembly has declared September 21st to be the International Day of Peace; it is observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. To commemorate the Day of Peace,...

Issues of War and Peace

Unit
This five-page unit is intended to facilitate conversations around issues of war and peace. The unit includes a reflection on patriotism, "Love of Enemies, Love of Country;" a fact sheet on the...

Our Faith Calls Us to Peace

This brief, one-page prayer service is centered on peace-making.

War and Conflict, Peace and Social Justice

Unit
This five-page unit takes an introductory look at some of the complexities of war & conflict and peace & justice, on both the personal and international levels.

2003 World Day of Peace Message and Discussion Questions

Reflection
This reflection includes the full text of Pope John Paul II's 2003 World Day of Peace Message, discussion questions and a pledge for peace.  

What You See (and Hear) is What you Get: An Inventory on Cultural Input, Violence and Nonviolence

Reflection
  This resource invites us to reflect on how movies, music, TV, or ads shape our perspectives on violence and nonviolence.

Just War Theory and Nonviolence: Two Strands in the Catholic Social Tradition Related to War and Peace

Reflection
There are two strands in the Catholic social tradition related to war and peace. Both share the presumption against the use of force as a means for settling disputes. Within that presumption, one,...

We Seek Justice Doing Justice

Reflection
Nothing is more important in these times than to be still and to put ourselves in the presence of God. We must reflect on the fact that we are all part of the human family. "May God grant the...