Pax Christi USA is excited about new additions to our growing staff! In June 2021, we welcomed Edward Ablang as a new Program & Communications Associate; and in July 2021, John Noble joined us as our new Director of Development. This past July saw all of our staff gather together for the first time in person (photo to the top right). We’re now at 8 staff members, 6 full-time and 2 part-time and we hope to be adding two others in the near future. Read below for more on Edward and John…
Edward Ablang is the newest member of our Program Team, joining Roxana Bendezú, Program Director, and Lauren Bailey, National Field Organizer, serving as a Program & Communications Associate. His work experience includes policy monitoring and external relations at UNESCO, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Religions for Peace, with a research focus on religion and global politics. Edward also has a background as a missionary cleric, bringing his aptitude for cultivating relationships and facilitating conversations around faith, politics and more.
“I look forward to stirring greater energy, to drive awareness and action anchored in Catholic social justice,” Edward shared. “Jesus’ message was radical in his day, and that message is still fresh inspiration for us today!”
Edward hopes to make sure our members, partners and friends have the latest information from Pax Christi USA and that “our programs truly respond to the pressing needs in manifesting our vision of a more just society.”
John Noble has joined our staff as Director of Development, the first person we’ve had in this position in almost a decade. John’s previous work included time as a digital organizer with Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, where he was a proud union member of CWA Local 7102. Before his return to Iowa, John earned his M.Div at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas and worked for Pastors for Texas Children, where he mobilized faith leaders to support robust public school funding. John has extensive experience with Catholic, ecumenical, and interfaith organizations, and his volunteer work includes participation in Catholic movements for racial justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and gender equity at all levels of church leadership.
“I am looking forward to connecting with Pax Christi USA’s generous donors and supporters so that I can learn more about our movement’s rich history and build a sustainable future for the next generation of Catholic peacemakers,” John stated. “For me, all social justice work, whether it’s fundraising, communication, or on-the-ground organizing, centers on the power of narrative: the story we tell together. As an organizational fundraiser, I see my work as story-telling: supporting Pax Christi USA’s story, and connecting our donors to the new stories of peace, justice, and liberation we’re telling together.”
Notes of welcome are always appreciated! You can contact Edward at eablang@paxchristiusa.org and John at jnoble@paxchristiusa.org.