This lesson explores the contribution of Christian theology to issues of war and peace. By examining the major strands in Christian thinking on the issue, students will understand the historical context within which they developed, the scripture and theology that underpins them, and the ongoing influence these ideas have. [Edexcel A-level Religious StudiesPaper 2: Religion and Ethics; Section 3.1: War and Peace] Produced by Pax Christi UK and Quakers in Britain

On his 2016 visit to the United States Pope Francis, addressing Congress, praised an American lay-woman, Dorothy Day, for her social activism and her passion for justice. This sparked a huge spike in Google searches as people who had never before heard of her tried to find out who Dorothy Day was and why the Pope thought so highly of her. They will have learned of a prayerful woman, a faithful Catholic, and a woman devoted to the poorest in society. They would have also found a woman who was unafraid to court controversy; who was an outspoken critic of governments and their wars, and who spent time in prison for her activism. In this assembly we will meet Dorothy Day: Saint and Troublemaker.

This GCSE religious studies lesson looks at Pax Christi - The International Catholic Movement for Peace - as an example of a religious organisation working to create world peace. By examining stories of how Pax Christi members live their vocation to peacemaking students will understand what Pax Christi is and what they are trying to achieve, the work they are engaged in, and how their faith inspires their work.