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.

Diverse group of faces in a circle

Prayer for Kinship and Community

Prayer
During a time in which division and separation seem unavoidable, we pray that we can expand our circles of caring until no one is left in the margins.

Prayer for Advent

Prayer
At Advent, we turn to the Prophet Isaiah to remind us of the Light we may partake of as we do the work of justice and peace.  

Living CST: Jimmy Carter

Prayer Service
This prayer service reminds us of the faith that has moved U.S. President Jimmy Carter to dedicate himself to human rights, global healthcare, and peace for many decades and that continues to...

September 2018: Voices for Peace

Calendar
This month’s calendar offers daily reflections and actions to celebrate EFJ’s theme for the month of September 2018: Rejoice and Be Glad: Voices for Peace.  

May We Speak of Peace

Prayer
This video puts the lines of the prayer “May We Speak of Peace” to music for an easy-to-use resource to start a parish meeting, youth group event, service trip, or religion class. To view the...
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Prayer for Gaza

Prayer
This prayer laments the ongoing conflict and bloodshed between Israelis and Palestinians and petitions the international community to bring an end to this violence.  

At the Door: Prayer for the Caravan

Prayer
This prayer reminds us that Christ is at the border door with “the least of these” who need our compassion and mercy.

Learning to Live Gospel Nonviolence

Activity
M.J. and Jerry Park, co-founders of the non-profit organization Little Friends for Peace, share their reflections and tools on living Gospel Nonviolence. This resource includes practical strategies...

A Means of Your Peace

Activity
This artistic reflection invites us to become sources of courage and joy and to be the presence of peace in our hurting world. To view this artistic reflection, click here:...
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The Catonsville Nine: A Call to Harmonize Faith and Action

Reflection
On May 17, 2018, the peace community will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Catonsville Action. This reflection explores the action of the nine Catholic activists who engaged with the...
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Signs of Our Times: Becoming Instruments of Peace

Litany
This litany calls us to take concrete steps toward peace in response to the injustices in our world today.  
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Catonsville Nine: Witnessing Peacemaking Through Active Nonviolence

Litany
Inspired by the action of the Catonsville Nine, we are called to witness peacemaking through active nonviolence in the troubled and challenging world in which we live.