Pax Christi 2024 AGM

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon and Ann Farr - outgoing Pax Christi President and Chair

Members of Pax Christi England and Wales gathered at Friends House, Liverpool and online on Saturday, 1st June, for their Annual General Meeting.

The theme for the day was 'Sumud', the Palestinian concept of steadfastness, resilience and perseverance, often expressed in Palestine as 'to exist is to resist'.

Ann Farr, Chair, explained that, for Palestinians, 'Sumud' is everyday nonviolent resistance to an unjust occupation. Retiring from her role as Chair, she thanked all the members, staff and volunteers she had worked with over her term as Chair, particularly for their support during the challenging period of the Covid pandemic. Kathryn Lydon, a member of the Merseyside Pax Christi Group and a former Chair of the Liverpool Justice & Peace Commission was elected to succeed her.

Current President, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP also announced his retirement after serving for over 20 years in that role. He told the meeting how profoundly influenced he had been by Pax Christi and, in particular, by Bruce Kent. He said it had been a privilege and very humbling to have been asked to preside over his funeral Mass.

In his report to the meeting, Andrew Jackson, Chief Executive, reminded members of the vision around which they had all come together in joining the movement - a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form. He said that the strategy for Pax Christ remained as it had been - focused on communicating and embodying Gospel nonviolence in a lifestyle of active nonviolence. Work in peace education with schools and young people would continue to be fundamental.

In the afternoon, after the election of a new Executive Committee, the meeting broke into groups to discuss the challenges facing the movement in a rapidly changing world. The olive tree was taken as a symbol of resistance and perseverance and groups explored how Pax Christi might constantly regenerate itself as the olive tree does to overcome the harsh conditions in which they grow in the Middle East. Groups stressed the value of working together rather than in isolation and how membership of Pax Christi brought them into a community and encouraged them that they are not alone in their peace work.

The meeting closed with a Peace Liturgy and prayers.

To find out more about Pax Christi and how you can join, visit: www.paxchristi.org.uk.