The work of the Maryknoll Office for
Global Concerns on peace is focused on identifying and eliminating the root causes of violence and conflict with a focus on specific regions, expressions of violence and areas of conflict affecting Maryknollers, and U.S. aggression and national security policy (e.g. war on terrorism and war in Iraq).We believe that traditional notions of national security have committed our country to failed policies, giving rise to deeper insecurity. We propose a redefinition of security in terms of basic human needs, rights and responsibilities. Human security, as opposed to national security, guarantees access to food, clean water, healthcare, education and employment. It recognizes the right of people to participate in important decisions that affect their lives and respects the integrity of creation. Human security would emerge from a “globalization of solidarity” that promotes international cooperation to preemptively manage conflicts before they turn violent. Human security must become the basis from which the United States engages the world.
We continue to participate in efforts to shape the response of U.S. people and the U.S. government to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, preventing the escalation or spread of war and promoting a peaceful end to terrorism. We address violence, conflict and human rights violations occurring in specific regions by raising awareness of the situation, supporting education and grassroots peacemaking efforts, and advocating for governmental and intergovernmental policies that promote respect for human rights and an end to violence.
See also:
- MOGC signs letter to Iranian leaders on recent violence
- Benedict XVI's message on World Peace Day: "Fighting poverty to build peace," January 1, 2009
- Middle East: Israelis, Palestinians caught in never land
- Alternative approaches to national defense, common security
- Reflections on peacemaking delivered at Pax Christi Baltimore's 20th anniversary
- Finding the Gold: Reflection on the first anniversary of September 11
- The Christian Vocation of Peacemaking, February 2004
- Campaigns and organizations MOGC supports to stop the war in Iraq
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