JPIC Promoters Formation Workshop 2022

Our mission is to transform the world in the spirit of the Gospel through conscious prayer and sacred action, leading lives of justice, peace and care for the integrity of creation. (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission)

The JPIC Promoters’ Formation Workshop 2022 was an innovative experience guided by the vital message of Pacem in Terris and Laudato Si’. Over 450 participants gathered from across the globe to share their work in protecting the environment and human rights. The Workshop took place from November 28 to December 2, was hosted in three languages: English, French and Spanish. The sessions were recorded and continue to be available to participants for review.

The presenters covered a wide variety of topics such as geopolitical analysis, the Christian commitment to peace building, the spiritual foundations of nonviolence, interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding, a synodal process to support congregations, and the role of the JPIC promoter in answering the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth, and many others. The sessions were dynamic and thoughtful with enthusiastic attention provided by participants who submitted many insightful questions. A new interactive chat room feature was well received by participants for networking and collaboration.

Quotes from the participants include: “The Social teaching allows us to understand peac as hope and not as a utopia”, “It opened my mind and allowed me to think widely … I want to think 'globally' and work 'locally'; in a spirit of collaboration and networking”, “Peace is the summary of Jesus's mission thus working for peace is not an option… it is my response to the call of Christ”, ” The most fruitful work is teamwork… It is urgent and beautiful to strengthen the synergy and networking of JPIC promoters”.

This was the third year we have hosted the Workshop, which was a five-day journey to provide both new and experienced JPIC Promoters with the support, networking, and tools they need to vitalize their ministry and to animate their congregations. The workshop began with the foundations of the legacy of Christ’s peace to the world and explored the themes of how religious can connect to the needs and concerns that challenge us today, integrative values for building peace, and caring for the environmental and social concerns of our common home. The formation focused on the methodology of See, Judge and Act. The participants experienced both theoretical and practical aspects to help them as JPIC Promoters to understand and fulfill their role.

Sr. Sheila Kinsey, fcjm