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Augustinian Justice and Peace

Responding to Terrorism

Saint Augustine was no stranger to terrorism. In the fifth century, toward the end of Augustine's life, Vandals invaded Africa, causing extensive destruction and great fear.

In the twenty-first century, terrorism in New York City and in Washington, D.C. has deeply affected people in the United States and elsewhere. Public transit systems in London and Madrid have been targets of terrorism. The threat of terrorist attacks is a daily experience in parts of Africa, Latin America, Israel/Palestine and other places.

Our hearts go out to those persons and families who suffer from acts of terrorism anywhere. We pray that God will heal the deep pain that they have experienced.

As our contribution to a Christian response to terrorism and the threat of terrorism, we offer for your consideration the following resources and reflections.

From the Thought of Saint Augustine

      » The Twin Towers of Peace and Justice
             An Augustinian reflection on eliminating terrorism

      » Procuring Peace by Peace
             A reflection from Saint Augustine on making peace

From the Leaders of the Catholic Church

• From Papal Magesterium

        » Message of Benedict XVI for World Day of Peace 2007 (Opens new window)
               The Human Person, the Heart of Peace

        » Message of John Paul II for the World Day for Peace 2005 (Opens new window)
               Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

        » Message of John Paul II for the World Day for Peace 2004 (Opens new window)
               An ever timely commitment: teaching peace

        » Message of John Paul II for the World Day for Peace 2003 (Opens new window)
               Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) - A Permanent Commitment

        » Message of John Paul II for the World Day for Peace 2002 (Opens new window)
               No peace without justice; no justice without forgiveness

         » Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) (Opens new window)
               Encyclical of Pope John XXIII

         » Choices...So That Humanity Can Have a Future (Opens new window)
               Address of Pope John Pail II to the diplmatic corps (January 13, 2003)

  
  

• From the Catholic Bishops of the United States

         » Call for Dialogue and Action on Responsible Transition in Iraq (.pdf file - Opens new window)
               Challenge to end divisive rhetoric to obtain genuine justice and peace (from U.S. Catholic Bishops)

         » Statement on Pope's 2005 World Day of Peace Message: (Opens new window)
               Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (from U.S. Catholic Bishops)

         » Resources for Educators (Opens new window)
               Help for teaching a Christian response to terrorism (from U.S. Catholic Bishops)

         » Resources for Dioceses and Parishes (Opens new window)
               Help for Pastors and other Parish Ministers in promoting a Christian response to terrorism (from U.S. Catholic Bishops)

         » Resources of the Aftermath of September 11 (Opens new window)
               Guidance from the U. S. Catholic Bishops on a Christian response to terrorism

         » U. S. Bishops' Statements in Iraq (Opens new window)
               More guidance from the U. S. Catholic Bishops on a Christian response to terrorism

         » Not Just a Safer World, But a More Just and Peaceful World (Opens new window)
               U. S. Bishops' statement for September 11, 2002

         » Interfaith Initiative for Peace in the Middle East (Opens new window)
               Christians, Muslims and Jews seeking peace

  
  

• From the Leaders of Men's and Women's Religious Communities

         » Statement on the Torture in Iraq (Opens new window)
               On the torture, abuse, and humiliation of detainees

         » Letter to President Bush and Prime Minister Blair (Opens new window)
               Statement on the rebuilding of Iraq

From the United Nations

       » U.N. Action against Terrorism (Opens new window)
             How the United Nations works to combat the scourge of terrorism

Understanding Islam

Christians seeking peace in today's world will find a basic understanding of Islam to be an invaluable aid.

      » Click here for help in understanding Islam

Suggested Reading

We recommend the following article for further reading.

"A Psychological and Pastoral Response to Terrorism" by Len Sperry, in Human Development, Vol. 23, No. 1 (2002).