Is Peace Possible?

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I sometimes get asked by students if I believe peace is possible. The last time I was asked this, I had to stop and reflect for a moment. I think it’s easy to glibly say yes, as a kind of wishful thinking, but to genuinely answer yes, I had to momentarily re-find that spark that gives me hope, whilst acknowledging the challenges that we face. 

As the Schools and Youth Education Worker for Pax Christi, I get to work with many young people, teachers and chaplains to explore peace and peacebuilding. Their insights and responses can be profound, sometimes challenging, but ultimately are hopeful. Although each young person is different, I think it’s fair to say most young people are aware of what is happening in our societies and our world. In workshops it’s clear that they are aware of the injustices, conflict and violence in their lives and communities, and yet my impression is that social justice and fairness are important to them. Young people show they care for others, sharing their concerns but also their joys, and want to respond. 

I remember myself trying to discover how I could respond to the world that I could see around me. Through experiences with Taizé, overseas volunteering, chance friendships and through contact with organisations such as the Columbans, I found my way to meeting a range of people committed to working for social justice. Their energy and witness inspired me to get involved- and eventually to work with Pax Christi! 

I’m lucky today to be able to work with numerous organisations and individuals who first inspied me, but also to meet others who are doing this work.  Working together and supporting each other is an important way to build hope and find encouragement. Young people are finding their voice in the many social justice movements or organisations that are youth led and youth focussed. Climate justice is just one issue where we can see the creative and passionate responses of young people, both as individuals and as groups.  

I’m indebted to chaplains, teachers and educators who invite me in to work with their young people.  Their commitment to widening the experiences, opportunities and skills of the young people they work with is invaluable, as is the support that they give to my work and promoting social justice. 

So, where does this leave us? Let’s remember to look for and celebrate those signs of hope. Let’s continue, both young and not-so-young, to build networks and communities where we can find them. Pax Christi is always eager to welcome new members and the Passionist project, FaithJustice, is one example of a growing network of young Christians interested in social justice, where they can learn, explore and respond. 

Much of the hope I get comes from the people that I am privileged to work with, especially the many young people and educators who want to make the world a better place. Across the country, and indeed across the world, we can find young people committed to working for peace and social justice.