Afghanistan & the 9/11 Anniversary: Pray, Study, Act

>> Read Pax Christi USA’s statement on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

>> Read our PSA for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

“Today, as we acknowledge the ten year anniversary of 9-11, there can be no doubt that responding with war and violence can neither console us in our grief nor achieve the security for which we long.” ~ from Pax Christi USA’s statement, “The Things that Make for Peace”, on the tenth anniversary of 9/11

After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the international community offered sympathy and support to the U.S. to use the rule of law to bring to account those that planned and carried out those attacks. Instead, in the weeks that followed, the Bush administration chose a path of violence and vengeance as they commenced heavy bombing in one of the poorest countries in the world—Afghanistan. Successive U.S. administrations continued to execute a military strategy in Afghanistan for 20 years. Now as that strategy is being abandoned, we are witnessing the fallout of that strategy and its uncertain and anxious repercussions for the Afghan people.

As followers of the nonviolent Jesus, Pax Christi USA had consistently educated and advocated for an end to the war in Afghanistan and for the U.S. to examine its responsibilities to the people of that region as countless lives and livelihoods have been disrupted, threatened or destroyed. As we approach the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 and witness the unraveling situation currently taking place in Afghanistan, we will curate resources — some old, some new — for prayer, study, and action for peace and justice in Afghanistan and for a new consciousness to flourish in the U.S. that calls for broad demilitarization and acts of reconciliation.

>> Read Pax Christi International’s statement on the current situation in Afghanistan at this link.

PAX CHRISTI USA STATEMENTS RELATED TO AFGHANISTAN

> Media statement following second U.S. drone strike, August 29