In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Saint Pope John XXIII’s encyclical “Pacem in Terris” (“Peace on Earth), a Gathering for Peace and Justice will be held in Camden.
The event is being sponsored by the Coalition for Peace Action, a Princeton, N.J.-based grassroots organization that brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, professions and political persuasions in support of three goals: global abolition of nuclear weapons, a peace economy, and a halt to weapons trafficking at home and abroad.
To help unpack the landmark encyclical that emphasizes human dignity and equality, four speakers will be present for the conference, which will run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. It will also be available by Zoom.
The speakers are:
• The Rev. Robert Moore, who has spent the past 31 years as executive director of the Coalition for Peace Action. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, he currently serves on the Board of the National Religious Campaign against Torture Action Fund, and co-chairs the Education and Action Committee of the Just Peace Priority of the United Church of Christ (national).
• Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, an award-winning author and artist based in the Diocese of Camden. Across South Jersey and beyond its borders, he has given numerous presentations and workshops on the intersection of art and faith.
• Rabbi Arthur Waskow, and activist and author, is founder and director of the Shalom Center in Philadelphia, which serves as “a prophetic voice in Jewish, multireligious, and American life,” combining thought, action, grassroots mobilization and spiritual teaching.
• Ray McGovern, a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and retired CIA Analyst, is the founding member of the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, to protest the use of faulty intelligence.
The 2024 Gathering for Peace and Justice will take place 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Sacred Heart Church, 1739 Ferry Ave., Camden. The event is also available via Zoom. Pre-registration is required for Zoom. Go to peacecoalition.org, and look under “Upcoming Events” to register.
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