You Have More Power Than You Think

Nonviolent action works.

I support nonviolent action against authoritarianism.

Why Nonviolence?

Because violence is accelerating, dividing communities, and eroding human dignity.
Nonviolence is not passive; it is a courageous and effective way to confront injustice, protect life, and build peace rooted in justice.
At this moment of global crisis, choosing nonviolence is both a moral responsibility and an urgent act of hope.

2× greater likelihood of success

Evidence suggests that nonviolent movements are more likely to achieve lasting outcomes than violent ones.

Broader and more diverse participation

Civil resistance grounded in nonviolence tends to mobilize people across different communities, backgrounds, and generations.

Lower risk of ongoing cycles of violence

Sustained nonviolent action is associated with more durable peace and reduced long-term violence.

Maria Stephan and the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative

About Maria Stephen

About Maria Stephen

Maria Stephan has been a regular participant in programs of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative since our initial Conference in 2016. Her research with Erica Chenoweth has influenced Church leaders and contributed in significant ways to Catholic understanding of and commitment to Gospel nonviolence and nonviolent action.

“We must promote self-awareness in civil societies, forms of responsible association, experiences of nonviolent participation, and practices of restorative justice on both a small and large scale.”

Pope Leo XIV

“We must promote self-awareness in civil societies, forms of responsible association, experiences of nonviolent participation, and practices of restorative justice on both a small and large scale.”

Pope Leo XIV

Sign the Petition

I support nonviolent action against authoritarianism and I demand that all Government officials including elected officials, agency heads, police, military, and other security officers; and members of the judiciary uphold the right to peaceful assembly, and the exercise of all constitutional, civil, and political rights.

I support nonviolent action against authoritarianism.