We need to give people hope that there is another way to overcome violence without becoming a nation of “Rambos”.
Back in 2002, Brian Gore, the then Co-ordinator of the Peace, Ecology & Justice (PEJ) Centre wrote, “We need to give people hope that there is another way to overcome violence without becoming a nation of “Rambos”". That was when we embarked on our educational and awareness raising programs about non-violence: The Way of Peace sets, the Growing a Culture of Peace with Christians and Muslims public forums and the formation programs connecting peace, ecology and justice. The need for this hope is just as great in these times, if not more so. 
Pope Francis’ recent reaction will resonate with many: "Christmas will be a charade...The whole world is at war...We should ask for the grace to weep for this world, which does not recognize the path to peace." As the military machine goes into action after the recent murderous rampages around the world and as the demonisation of Muslims and Middle Eastern refugees spreads, we continue to promote the Gospel message of non-violence. The “bomb them, shoot them” response is immediate. It never resolves the problem. Have we not learned this lesson? It destroys - peoples’ hearts, peoples’ lives and the natural world. It feeds the arms industry and the greed and power of those who profit from the military machine.
Let us recognise that the path to peace is the path of learning how to respond to violence with strong non-violent action. “Diwali, Ahimsa and Humanity” is a Hindu perspective on non-violence. “Non-Violence, Patience and Turning the Other Cheek” is a contribution from Nova Scotia, Canada. We have presented “Some Non-Violent Victories from History.” “Scapegoat Theorist Dies” is a recognition of the death of Rene Girard.
As we enter Advent and the journey towards the celebration of the birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace, every blessing to you our supporters and readers. I pray for peace for all those suffering under the oppression of the violence occurring in so many places, but especially now in Syria. I pray for the courage for each of us to become engaged in actively growing a culture of peace.
Article by Anne Lanyon, Co-ordinator of Columban Mission Institute's Centre for Peace Ecology and Justice (PEJ).
Read more from the December Columban eConnections