About Us
MISSION STATEMENT AND PRIORITIES
Pax Christi Maine's primary purpose is "to work with all people for peace and justice for all humankind and for our planet, always witnessing to the Peace of Christ." The movement springs from a Gospel vision of peace and the sacredness of human life and of all Creation.
Pax Christi USA’s priorities are spirituality of nonviolence and peacemaking; disarmament, demilitarization and reconciliation with justice; economic and interracial justice in the United States; human rights and global restoration.
Pax Christi Maine’s priorities also include a just world order, primacy of conscience, education for peace, nonviolent conflict resolution, and all aspects of social justice, including equality for women.
ABOUT US
Pax Christi Maine began in 1980 in response to the witness of Fr. Jim Gower, our own beloved apostle of non-violence, who took a year off from diocesan duties to travel the country spreading Pax Christi’s vision.
Taking our lead from Fr. Jim and from Pope Paul VI, who declared, "If you want peace, work for justice," we have pursued justice--for victims of war, those facing military aggression and for those driven from their homes and homeland; for immigrants seeking a livelihood for their families; for those denied just wages and humane working conditions; for those denied participation in society; for those suffering from discrimination based on sex, race, or ethnic identity, and for the earth, our home, now threatened with ecological disaster. Our efforts take various forms, including: educational programs, written letters and statements, vigils, prayer and fasting, public demonstrations, meetings with political leaders and media representatives, sponsorship of speakers and a variety of programs intended to raise public awareness on important issues. PCM publishes an occasional newsletter.
At the center of our statewide efforts for many years has been an annual weekend retreat held in the Fall. We have been blessed with many outstanding leaders such as: Daniel Berrigan, S.J., Rev. Emmanuel Charles McCarthy, Bill Callahan, S.J., Miguel D’Escoto, M.M., Richard Rohr, OFM, Elizabeth McAllister, Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB, Sr. Ruth Rosenbaum, John Dear, S.J., Edwina Gately and Rev. Richard Snyder, who have helped nourish our spirits, deepen our theological roots, and challenge our courage and commitment. We have also at times turned to our own membership to share expertise, skills and wisdom as we developed our statewide community over the years.
LEADERSHIP and ORGANIZATION
Pax Christi Maine leadership resides in the Coordinator, Co-Coordinator and the Council, which is comprised of a representative from each local group plus 3 to 7 at-large representatives elected at the annual Assembly. Coordinators and Officers serve one-year terms with no limit on re-election. Governance and financial responsibility is vested in the Council, which meets once or twice during the year and conducts its business also by means of e-mail, and phone.
Coordinator: William (Bill) Slavick, (a resident of Portland) has been PCM’s
energetic leader for many years.
Co-Coordinator: Mary Ellen Quinn (Winterport) serves as leader for the
Northern hub of PCM’s efforts
Council Members 2008-9:
Representatives of Pax Christi Groups:
Acadia Suzanne Fitzgerald
Belfast Charlotte Herbold
Houlton MaryBeth DiMarco
Penobscot Valley MaryEllen Quinn
Portland Elaine McGillicuddy
At-Large members:
Sally Chappell (Bridgton)
Denise Dreher (Biddeford)
Pam Murphy Ewers (Wells)
Suzanne Hedrick (Nobleboro)
Erik Johnson (Hollis)
Marlene Laurendeau (Brunswick)
Greg Phelan (Brunswick)
Pete Sirois (Madison)
Ursula Slavick (Portland)
Officers: Chair: Denise Dreher
Co-Chair Francis McGillicuddy
Secretary Charlotte Herbold
Treasurer Mary Ellen Quinn
Coordinator William Slavick
Co-Coordinator Mary Ellen Quinn
Regional Rep. to PCUSA Denise Dreher