Pax Christi Maine members were among over 400 guests at the national gathering. Members of Pax Christi communities from all across the country came together to celebrate the work of Pax Christi USA begun in 1972 and still going strong in 2022. Johnny Zokovitch and the national office staff went above and beyond to organize and implement an amazing conference and 50th year anniversary celebration!
The weekend events included a pre-conference meeting of Regional Leaders; exceptional speakers including Marie Dennis, Archbishop John C. Wester, Bishop John Stowe; Peacemaker awards; wonderful workshops; young adult caucus presenters; video and in person congratulatory messages from several Pax Christi founding members, lively music and dancing; great food and a beautiful closing Mass. Following the conference close, a large group marched to the Pentagon for a demonstration and rally promoting Nuclear Disarmament.
Pax Christi Maine Council and Maine Episcopal Committee on Indian Relations member, Mary Beth DiMarco was a presenter on efforts in Maine to renounce the Doctrine of Discovery and to work as allies with Indigenous Peoples through the Wabanaki Alliance. The Workshop titled: “Getting to the Root: Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery” included other presenters from across the country – Janelle Delorme, francophone Red River Métis activist and drum carrier; Carrie Hansen, co-chair of Pax Christi South Dakota and Justice Contact for the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Melissa Chapman Skinner, Presentation College, advocate and training assistant at Episcopal Church, Indigenous Ministries. Through PCUSA and these dedicated activists, an ongoing Indigenous Solidarity Working Group has formed to support educational and change efforts.
Link to a huge variety of resources from the Conference – – Please take a moment to enjoy! https://paxchristiusa.org/2022/08/23/save-the-date-pax-christi-usa-celebrates-50-years-at-the-national-conference/
