Contact: Dave Robinson at 814-453-4955 Ext. 235

ERIE, Pa. – As the reality of the magnitude of loss becomes clear, Pax Christi USA urges U.S. leaders to break the spiral of violence that many citizens may be quick to embrace.

In a statement issued today by Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement, the organization says the appropriate response to the despicable act of violence on Sept. 11 "is not a despicable act of violence in kind. Vengeance is not justice."

As America confronts the horrific loss of life as a result of yesterday’s attack, Pax Christi USA leaders fear the nation’s grief will turn to rage for revenge. Pax Christi USA calls for a Christian response, urging Americans to summon the strength to resist vengeance and follow the nonviolent Jesus in the midst of unimaginable violence.

Pax Christi USA is the national Catholic peace movement. Its 14,000 members work for the transformation of society through nonviolence and advocate peacemaking as a priority in the Catholic Church in the United States. The movement, headquartered in Erie, Pa., publishes peace education literature and develops ministry programs that promote justice for the sake of creating a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. Pax Christi USA is a section of Pax Christi International, which is active in more than 30 countries.

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