Shifting Focus from War to Human Rights – Catholic Institute for Nonviolence’s Third Seminar in Rome
The latest seminar in the series offered by the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence responds to the call of the Synod Synthesis document from October 2023 for “more reflection and formation in order that we can manage conflicts in a nonviolent way.”
(Rome, October 18th, 2024) – The third seminar in the Power of Active Nonviolence series, titled “Nonviolent Defence: Beyond War and Cycles of Violence” has just taken place, and highlighted the centrality of nonviolence to the Gospel and its effectiveness in legitimate defense. The event brought together global experts to discuss how investment in nonviolent research and training can offer effective alternatives to traditional forms of conflict resolution.
The October Seminar Series marks the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence’s inaugural project, addressing core dimensions of nonviolence lifted by the 2023 Synod’s Synthesis Report. These include managing conflict in a nonviolent way and understanding nonviolence in the context of legitimate self-defense. The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative advocates that nonviolence should be central to the Church’s teachings on self-defense, aligning with its century-long development of a comprehensive case against war.
Advancing Nonviolence: A Call for Human Dignity, Justice, and Lasting Peace
Speakers collectively emphasized the importance of centering nonviolence in Church teachings, harnessing the power of organized nonviolent movements for human rights and justice, and fostering peaceful societies by rejecting violent conflict resolution. Together, they explained how nonviolence can protect human dignity, advance democracy, and sow the seeds for lasting peace, reinforcing its role as a transformative approach to conflict.
Eli McCarthy, faculty member at Georgetown University, stated: “The question of the 2023 Synod about active nonviolence and legitimate defense is very important. By centering nonviolence, the focus shifts to defending human dignity and alters the style of defense we affirm and spotlight.” McCarthy also proposed integrating nonviolence into Church teachings, specifically the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Hardy Merriman, President of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, emphasized the power of nonviolent movements, saying, “When populations organize and mobilize nonviolent campaigns, they can achieve significant advances in human rights, democracy, and justice.” He called for greater support and engagement with communities that are seeking peaceful solutions to global issues.
Elisabeth Kanini Kimau, grassroots peacebuilder from Northern Kenya, addressed the dangers of violent conflict resolution: “The seeds of war and genocide take root in an environment where conflicts are handled violently, while seeds of a peaceful society take root where nonviolence is part of daily life.”
Pope Francis’ Call for Peace and the Church’s Role in Promoting Nonviolence
In his recent Angelus address, on October 13th, Pope Francis condemned war as an “illusion and a defeat” for all, particularly those who believe themselves invincible. He urged for an end to the suffering in Ukraine, calling for a halt to air strikes on civilians and appealing to prevent Ukrainians from freezing to death. He also saluted the Pax Christi International Group, present in the audience.
To support the General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality, the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence organized a free seminar series titled The Power of Active Nonviolence: Transforming the Church, Changing the World taking place every Friday in October from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CET at the Instituto Maria Santissima Bambina in Romed. The seminars were also live-streamed, enabling broader participation and engagement from a global audience.
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