Peace Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Celebrating 50 Years Since Pacem in Terris 

March 21–23, 2013 | University of Notre Dame

Conference Description

The core purpose of the 50th Anniversary of Pacem in Terris conference was to explore thematic peace and justice issues that have been addressed by modern Catholic social thought, especially those within the encyclical, such as human rights, political structures, ecumenism, and environmentalism. Speakers were invited from around the world in part because of the international and interfaith approach to peacemaking and promotion of human rights that profoundly affected Catholic teaching and practice.  

Keynotes

Keynotes included Rev. Kenneth R. Himes, O.F.M., on “Pacem in Terris: Its Context and Legacy”; and Julian Filochowski, CMG, OBE, on “Oscar Romero: The Martyrdom of an Apostle for Peace and a Vatican II Champion.” 

A keynote panel on “Interfaith Peace” included Rev. James Channan, O.P., on “Pacem in Terris: Its Influences and Challenges to Catholics/Christians in an Islamic Context of Pakistan”; and Amina Rasul-Berardo, MBA, MPA, on “A Common Prayer for a Common Peace: The Roles of the Muslim and Christian Religious in Peaceful Resolution of Conflict in Mindanao.”

A second keynote panel on “Pacifism in Action” included Ken Butigan, Ph.D., on “Pacem in Terris and Nonviolent Action for Peace”; and Katy Kelly, MRE, on “Love Your Enemies: Living with Gazan and Afghan Friends in a Time of War.”