As the national Catholic peace and justice movement, we must once again rise as Catholic peacemakers to advocate boldly for the present magisterial teaching on peace and seek a nonviolent resolution to the Ukraine crisis. War is never the answer, and our hearts break for the suffering and devastation the war in Ukraine has already unleashed.

In support of ongoing efforts toward a ceasefire and for the hard work of peacemaking and diplomacy, you can find additional resources below addressing the build-up to and subsequent invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Our prayer, study and action is rooted in the nonviolence that is foundational to our identity as followers of the God of Peace.

>> Note: Even as we work for peace in Ukraine, Pax Christi USA invites our membership and partners not to lose sight of the need for prayer, study and action in support of peace in Yemen, Palestine, Myanmar, Syria, Ethiopia, and everywhere that suffers the violence of war.

>>Watch the video recording of the February 23, 2024 online prayer service held in commemoration of the second anniversary of Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine; speakers include Mary Yelenick, Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace, Pax Christi International board member and UN representative

>>Pax Christi USA joined with other faith groups in issuing a message to the US Congress and Administration, calling for peace and diplomacy in Ukraine, October 5, 2023

>> Pax Christi USA has endorsed this petition circulated by several peace organizations, urging world leaders to commit to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Groups and individuals are welcome to sign.

>> Read Pax Christi International’s statement on the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

>> Read our official organizational statement from February 24, 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine at this link.

Pope Francis has called for October 2023 to be dedicated to praying for peace in Ukraine (Vatican News)

The war in Ukraine: Impacts of nonviolent resistance and U.S. policy implications
An online briefing for Congressional offices, held February 23

In this online briefing offered by the Peace and Security Working Group of the Washington Interfaith Staff Community, practitioners and researchers shared about the impact that strategic nonviolent resistance efforts are having in Ukraine and Russia to bring the war to a just and peaceful end; panelists also spoke to the implications for U.S. policy and Congressional action.

Online faith vigil for peace in Ukraine
February 24

Organized by the Friends Committee on National Legislation and the Episcopal Church, this online prayer vigil was an opportunity to pray together and to lament the human harm caused by violence and conflict. Prayers were offered for the people of Ukraine, Russia, and across the region, and for those displaced, and for a peaceful resolution to the crisis that prevents further human suffering. Pax Christi USA’s Executive Director Johnny Zokovitch was one of the speakers.

Use this link to watch via the Episcopal Public Policy Facebook page

PRAYER

STUDY

Reports: Supporting nonviolence and peace-building efforts

Other study pieces

ACTION

Archived resources: