Teachers of Peace Award
Teachers of Peace Award
The Teacher of Peace Award (previously called the Pope Paul VI Teacher of Peace Award) is a peacemaker award given out annually by Pax Christi USA, a Catholic peace organization, to an individual who has exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace."
| Sl | Name | Country | Flag | Year | Awarded For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | Meta Peace Team | USA | 2025 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 43 | Mary Catherine Bunting | USA | 2024 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 42 | Fr Joe Nangle | USA | 2023 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 41 | Marie Dennis | Belgium | 2022 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 40 | Fr Bryan Massingale | USA | 2021 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 39 | Art Laffin | USA | 2016 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 38 | Mary Meg McCarthy | USA | 2013 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 37 | Ruben Garcia | USA | 2012 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 36 | Colleen Kelly | USA | 2011 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 35 | Jim Albertini | Isreal | 2010 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 34 | Bishop Leroy Matthiesen | USA | 2009 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 33 | MJ Park and Jerry Park | USA | 2008 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 32 | Fr. John S. Rausch, GLMY | USA | 2007 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 31 | Sr. Mary Lou Kownacki | Romania | 2006 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 30 | Msgr. Ray East | USA | 2005 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 29 | William P. Quigley | USA | 2003 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 28 | Fr. Peter Dougherty | USA | 2002 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 27 | Philip Berrigan | USA | 2001 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 26 | Elizabeth McAlister | USA | 2001 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 25 | Fr. Louis Vitale | USA | 2001 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 24 | Sr. Dianna Ortiz | USA | 2000 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 23 | Martin Sheen | USA | 1999 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 22 | Kathy Kelly | USA | 1998 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 21 | Fr. Roy Bourgeois | USA | 1997 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 20 | Sr. Helen Prejean | USA | 1996 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 19 | Jim and Kathy McGinnis | USA | 1995 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 18 | James and Shelley Douglass | USA | 1994 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 17 | Colman McCarthy | USA | 1993 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 16 | Dom Hélder Câmara | Brazil | 1992 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 15 | Bishop Thomas Gumbleton | USA | 1991 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 14 | Sr. Joan Chittister | USA | 1990 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 13 | Fr. Daniel Berrigan | USA | 1989 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 12 | Fr. Lawrence Jenco | USA | 1988 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 11 | Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen | Australia | 1987 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 10 | Jean Goss and Hildegard Goss-Mayr | France | 1986 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 9 | Sr. Jean Donovan | USA | 1984 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 8 | Sr. Dorothy Kazel | USA | 1984 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 7 | Sr. Ita Ford | USA | 1984 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 6 | Sr. Maura Clarke | USA | 1984 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 5 | Gordon Zahn | USA | 1983 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 4 | Eileen Egan | Romania | 1983 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 3 | Mary Evelyn Jegen | USA | 1982 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 2 | Paul Hanly Furfey | USA | 1980 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." | |
| 1 | Dorothy Day | USA | 1978 | Exemplified Pope Paul VI's World Day of Peace message: "To reach peace, teach peace." |
Teachers of Peace Award Laureates (2030 ~ 2021)
Meta Peace Team
Teachers of Peace Award 2025
🕊️ Meta Peace Team: Active Nonviolence
The Meta Peace Team (MPT) is a grassroots, non-profit organization founded in 1993 (originally as the Michigan Peace Team) that advocates for active nonviolence as an alternative to militarism. Its core mission is to pursue peace by deploying Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) teams to areas of conflict, both domestically and internationally.MPT's work is guided by four pillars: public education on the efficacy of nonviolence; comprehensive skills training in violence de-escalation and bystander intervention; the placement of Peace Teams (UCP/A) where invited; and networking with other peace organizations. Since its founding, MPT has deployed teams to international locations like Palestine/Israel, Bosnia, and Mexico, as well as to domestic high-tension events, to provide a non-violent, protective presence and document human rights concerns.
Mary Catherine Bunting
Teachers of Peace Award 2024
Mary Catherine Bunting is a prominent American philanthropist, retired nurse practitioner, and former Sister of Mercy celebrated for her extraordinary support of healthcare and social justice initiatives, particularly in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the granddaughter of the founder of the Noxzema Chemical Company.Inspired to pursue nursing after a serious car accident at age 16, she earned her degree in 1958 and later joined the Sisters of Mercy. She spent over three decades working in the Mercy system, including years as a Nurse Practitioner at a community outreach center in South Baltimore, where she served the underserved. Her philanthropy, driven by her deep faith and commitment to service, includes establishing the endowment for pastoral care at Mercy and giving the largest gift in the hospital's history to build the Mary Catherine Bunting Center. In 2024, she received Pax Christi USA's Teacher of Peace Award for her lifelong dedication to peacebuilding and social justice.
Joe Nangle
Teachers of Peace Award 2023
Father Joseph "Joe" Nangle, OFM, was a dedicated Franciscan priest and missionary known for his lifelong commitment to social justice and peace. He spent fifteen years as a missioner in Bolivia and Peru (1960s-1970s), where his ministry with the poor and indigenous communities, along with the influence of Liberation Theology, profoundly shaped his vocation.Upon returning to the United States, Fr. Joe became a tireless advocate for change. He co-founded the Assisi Community in Washington, D.C., an intentional community dedicated to a simple lifestyle and social change. He also served as the co-director of the Franciscan Mission Service for twelve years. A longtime member of Pax Christi USA, he was honored as its 2023 Teacher of Peace, recognizing his commitment to nonviolence, inclusive communities, and consistently applying Franciscan gospel values to current events.
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Marie Dennis
Teachers of Peace Award 2022
Marie Dennis is a prominent Catholic peace and justice activist with a long history of international advocacy and leadership in the nonviolent peace movement. Her career has centered on linking issues of peace, poverty, justice, and the integrity of creation, drawing deeply from Catholic social teaching.She served as Co-President of Pax Christi International (2007–2019), a global Catholic peace movement that works in over 100 countries. During her tenure, she helped spearhead the organization’s efforts to promote nonviolence as an ethical and theological alternative to war. She has also held leadership roles with the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns. A prolific author, she co-authored Loretto at the Crossroads and Oscar Romero: Reflections on His Life and Writings. Her dedication to peacebuilding and nonviolence earned her the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 2024.
Bryan Massingale
Teachers of Peace Award 2021
Father Bryan Massingale, a prominent Catholic priest and theologian from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, is widely recognized for his work in social ethics, particularly focusing on issues of racial justice, sexual justice, and Liberation Theology. He is a leading voice in applying Catholic moral teachings to contemporary American challenges of inequality and systemic oppression.A professor at Fordham University, Fr. Massingale's scholarship challenges the Church and society to confront how power dynamics affect the marginalized. His influential book, Racial Justice and the Catholic Church, is a crucial text urging Catholics to engage in genuine anti-racism. He frequently addresses the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ issues, advocating for inclusive ethical frameworks. For his tireless efforts in promoting justice, equity, and peace through theological reflection and prophetic action, he received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 2023, alongside Joe Nangle.
Teachers of Peace Award Laureates (2020 ~ 2011)
Art Laffin
Teachers of Peace Award 2016
Art Laffin is a devoted Catholic Worker, activist, and longtime peace movement leader renowned for his commitment to nonviolent direct action and resistance against war, nuclear weapons, and social injustice. He resides in Washington, D.C., and is a member of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker community.Inspired by the Gospels and figures like Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King Jr., Laffin has been arrested over 100 times for nonviolent protests, including actions at the Pentagon and nuclear weapons facilities. He has authored or co-edited several books, including Swords Into Plowshares: Nonviolent Direct Action for Disarmament. His work consistently challenges military expenditures and advocates for reallocating resources toward social needs. Laffin's uncompromising stance on abolishing war and his tireless efforts promoting peace with justice have made him a respected figure in the nonviolence community and earned him the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 2012.
Mary Meg McCarthy
Teachers of Peace Award 2013
Mary Meg McCarthy, J.D., is a leading American human rights advocate and an expert in immigration law, best known for her role as the Executive Director of the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), a program of Heartland Alliance. Under her leadership, the NIJC has become a premier organization fighting for the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.McCarthy has built an unparalleled national network of thousands of pro bono attorneys who provide essential legal services to thousands of non-citizens annually. Her work combines direct legal service with high-level impact litigation and advocacy, leading to significant reform in immigration law and policy. Before joining NIJC, she worked in Chile to safeguard the rights of individuals under a dictatorship. For her commitment to upholding human rights and promoting due process for marginalized groups, she received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 2013.
Ruben Garcia
Teachers of Peace Award 2012
Rubén García is an influential American humanitarian known for his unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Annunciation House, a network of shelters in El Paso, Texas, that provides hospitality, food, shelter, and legal assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants.Founded in 1978, Annunciation House operates based on principles of Catholic social teaching and has become a crucial non-profit hub for responding to the continuously shifting dynamics of the border crisis. García's work focuses on treating migrants with dignity and has been vital in coordinating resources, volunteer efforts, and managing the intake of tens of thousands of people annually released from detention. His decades-long dedication to human rights, regardless of political climate, has earned him widespread recognition, including the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 2021.
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Colleen Kelly
Teachers of Peace Award 2011
Colleen Kelly is a dedicated American Catholic peace and justice activist known for her work in nonviolent resistance, community organizing, and promoting human rights. She is a prominent figure within the Pax Christi USA movement, focusing on issues related to militarism, nuclear weapons, and economic justice.Kelly has been instrumental in numerous nonviolent direct action campaigns, often participating in protests and acts of civil disobedience at locations like the School of the Americas (SOA)/WHINSEC at Fort Benning, Georgia, advocating for its closure. She served for many years as the National Coordinator for SOA Watch before transitioning to other forms of activism. Her work consistently calls for demilitarization, challenging U.S. foreign policy, and advocating for a shift in resources from military spending to human needs. For her courageous and lifelong commitment to active nonviolence, she was named the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award recipient in 2020.
Teachers of Peace Award Laureates (2010 ~ 2001)
Jim Albertini
Teachers of Peace Award 2010
Jim Albertini is a renowned Catholic activist, conscientious objector, and lifelong advocate for peace, justice, and environmental protection based on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. He moved to Hawaiʻi in 1970 and, inspired by the social justice dimensions of his Catholic theology and the principles of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., dedicated his life to activism.In 1979, he founded the Malu ʻAina Center for Non-violent Education & Action (Hawaiian for "Land of Peace"), a spiritual community focused on nonviolent action, sustainable organic farming (Aloha ʻAina), and sharing food with those in need. Albertini is a consistent opponent of U.S. militarism in the Pacific, having been arrested numerous times for nonviolent civil disobedience, including a swimming blockade of a nuclear-armed warship in 1984 which led to a federal prison sentence. His relentless pursuit of demilitarization and environmental cleanup in Hawaiʻi earned him the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 2010.
Leroy Matthiesen
Teachers of Peace Award 2009
Father Leroy "Roy" Matthiesen (1921–2010) was an influential Catholic priest, social justice advocate, and champion for farmworkers and environmental causes in the Texas Panhandle. His commitment to peace was uniquely expressed through his defense of marginalized rural communities and his prophetic opposition to corporate power.In the 1970s, Fr. Roy was one of the first faith leaders to speak out against the multi-billion-dollar nuclear weapons industry being established in his region. His most famous act of resistance was his call for a boycott of Pantex, the nuclear weapons assembly plant near Amarillo, due to environmental and moral concerns. This courageous stance led to threats and intimidation, demonstrating his uncompromising commitment to peace and the common good. He also actively supported the United Farm Workers movement. For his lifelong courage in advocating for peace and justice in a challenging rural environment, he was a recipient of the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1999.
Mary Joan & Jerry Park
Teachers of Peace Award 2008
Mary Joan Park and Jerry Park are the American couple best known as the co-founders of Mercy Corps, one of the world's leading humanitarian aid and development organizations. They established the non-profit organization in 1979 in response to the massive humanitarian crisis of the Cambodian refugee exodus.Jerry Park (d. 2005), a former United States Army Special Forces officer and businessman, and Mary Joan Park, a nurse and activist, were motivated by a deep commitment to global suffering. They initially focused on bringing aid to Southeast Asian refugees and soon expanded Mercy Corps' mission.The organization's scope grew from providing emergency relief to implementing long-term sustainable development programs in sectors like disaster response, economic opportunity, and conflict resolution across dozens of countries.While Jerry Park served as the first Executive Director, Mary Joan Park was instrumental in building the organization’s foundation. Their collaborative vision laid the groundwork for Mercy Corps to become a global force for good, securing billions in funding and impacting millions of lives worldwide. Their dedication to justice and peace was recognized with the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1998.
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John S. Rausch
Teachers of Peace Award 2007
Glenmary Father John S. Rausch (1944–2020) was a highly respected Catholic priest, missionary, and passionate environmental and economic justice advocate who dedicated over 50 years of his life to the people and land of Appalachia.Appalachian Focus: Influenced by the 1980 pastoral letter, “This Land Is Home to Me,” Fr. Rausch viewed all of Appalachia as his parish. He served as the director of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia from 2005 to 2013 and actively opposed destructive practices like mountaintop removal mining and the exploitation of coal miners and their families.Methodology: He was known for organizing pilgrimages for religious leaders and journalists to witness the region's challenges firsthand. His work embodied the spirit of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si'—caring for the earth and prioritizing the impoverished.Recognition: For his tireless efforts in carrying out the biblical call to justice, standing with people in their struggles, and his unique ministry focused on environmental and economic realities, he received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 2007.
Mary Lou Kownacki
Teachers of Peace Award 2006
Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB (1942–2005), was a highly influential Benedictine nun, writer, poet, and tireless peace and justice activist known for her decades of leadership within the Catholic peace movement. A member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania, she dedicated her life to linking spirituality with social action.Pax Christi USA Leadership: Sr. Mary Lou was a founding member of Pax Christi USA in 1972 and served as its National Coordinator for several years. She played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's focus on nonviolence, disarmament, and economic justice, working to move the Church toward a stronger commitment to Gospel nonviolence.Writings and Advocacy: Her prolific writing, including books like Women and the Church and A Procession of Prayers, helped articulate a theology of nonviolent action. She was a fearless advocate against nuclear proliferation and military spending.Recognition: Her leadership and steadfast commitment to peace education and direct action made her one of the most respected voices in the Catholic peace community. In recognition of her transformative work, she received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1989.
Raymond G. East
Teachers of Peace Award 2005
Father Raymond G. East is a respected Catholic priest, pastor, and retreat master within the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. He is widely recognized for his charismatic and engaging preaching style, his commitment to pastoral care, and his deep understanding of liturgical practice, particularly within the African American Catholic community.Ministry Focus: Fr. East has dedicated his priesthood to strengthening parish life and faith formation. He has served as pastor for multiple parishes, including the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C., where he focused on fostering inclusive and spirit-filled worship.Liturgical Authority: He is often called upon to speak and lead workshops across the country on topics such as Gospel-centered spirituality, African American culture and liturgy, and effective preaching. His expertise lies in making the Mass and sacraments deeply relevant to contemporary life.Peace and Justice: Through his preaching and community leadership, Fr. East consistently advocates for justice, racial harmony, and peace, grounding these themes in the core message of the Gospel. His impactful ministry and spiritual guidance were recognized when he received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1997.
William P. Quigley
Teachers of Peace Award 2003
William "Bill" P. Quigley is an influential American law professor, public interest lawyer, and Catholic social justice advocate. He is an Emeritus Professor of Law and the former Director of the Law Clinic and the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center at Loyola University New Orleans.Since 1977, Quigley has been an active public interest lawyer, representing organizations on critical issues including voting rights, public housing, the death penalty, living wages, and civil liberties. He has litigated cases with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and served as General Counsel for the ACLU of Louisiana for 15 years. His legal scholarship focuses on "revolutionary lawyering," which aims to confront and dismantle the root causes of poverty and wealth inequality. He has also been a volunteer lawyer for School of the Americas Watch and the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti. His lifetime of legal advocacy for the marginalized was honored by Pax Christi USA when he was named the Pope Paul VI National Teacher of Peace in 2003.
Peter Dougherty
Teachers of Peace Award 2002
Peter Dougherty is a highly respected figure in American academic publishing, primarily known for his decades of service and leadership at Princeton University Press (PUP). He is a key advocate for the vital role of university presses in public discourse and the advancement of scholarly work.Career at PUP: Dougherty served as the Director of Princeton University Press for nearly 20 years, beginning in 1999. Under his direction, PUP significantly expanded its global reach, digitized its content, and published influential books across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, notably increasing its presence in the field of economics.Economics Focus: Before becoming Director, he was the Economics Editor for PUP, where he was instrumental in acquiring and championing the works of numerous Nobel Laureates in Economics, cementing the Press's reputation as a leader in the field.Recognition: Dougherty has been an important voice promoting accessibility and scholarly rigor in publishing. His dedication to academic freedom and dissemination of knowledge was recognized with the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1996, highlighting his work's contribution to fostering dialogue and understanding.
Philip Berrigan
Teachers of Peace Award 2001
🕊️ Philip Berrigan: Radical Peace Activist
Philip Francis Berrigan, SSJ (1923–2002), was an influential American Catholic priest (later secularized), anti-war activist, and Christian anarchist. Along with his Jesuit brother, Daniel Berrigan, he became a central figure in the Catholic Left movement, dedicating his life to nonviolent civil disobedience against war and nuclear weapons.Early Life & Conversion: After serving as an artillery officer in World War II and witnessing combat, Berrigan was ordained a Josephite priest in 1955. He became active in the Civil Rights Movement, participating in Freedom Rides and sit-ins.Key Actions: He gained national prominence for the 1967 "Baltimore Four" action and the 1968 "Catonsville Nine" protest, where he and others poured blood and burned Vietnam War draft records, actions which led to prison time.Plowshares Movement: In 1980, Berrigan, along with his wife, Elizabeth McAlister (a former nun), co-founded the Plowshares Movement. This international anti-nuclear campaign involves symbolic disarmament by physically damaging weapons components—such as hammering on missile warheads—based on the biblical injunction to turn "swords into plowshares."Legacy: Berrigan spent over 11 years in prison for his nonviolent resistance. He co-founded the pacifist community Jonah House in Baltimore and was recognized by Pax Christi USA as a Teacher of Peace in 2001 (with Elizabeth McAlister and Fr. Louis Vitale).
Elizabeth McAlister
Teachers of Peace Award 2001
Elizabeth "Liz" McAlister (b. 1939) is a revered American Catholic peace activist and former nun who has dedicated her life to nonviolent direct action and resistance against nuclear weapons and militarism. She is the co-founder of the radical anti-nuclear Plowshares Movement and the community Jonah House.Early Life & Activism: McAlister was a Sister of the Sacred Heart of Mary and taught art at Marymount College. She was profoundly influenced by the activism of the Berrigan brothers and participated in the 1968 Catonsville Nine action (burning draft files). She later married Philip Berrigan in 1973, leaving the convent to deepen her commitment to social justice.The Plowshares Movement: In 1980, she and Philip co-founded the Plowshares Movement, based on the biblical call to "beat swords into plowshares." She has participated in numerous Plowshares actions over the decades, involving the symbolic disarmament of weapons systems (e.g., hammering on missile components), leading to significant prison time.Jonah House: McAlister is a co-founder of the pacifist collective Jonah House in Baltimore, which served as a center for resistance, community living, and hospitality for activists and the marginalized. Her enduring commitment to a life of spiritual discipline and radical nonviolence was recognized by Pax Christi USA as a Teacher of Peace in 2001 (with Philip Berrigan and Fr. Louis Vitale).
Louis Vitale
Teachers of Peace Award 2001
Father Louis Vitale, OFM (b. 1937), is a highly respected Franciscan priest and peace activist known for his consistent commitment to nonviolent direct action and resistance against militarism and nuclear weapons. He embodies the Franciscan call to live simply and work for justice.Military Background and Conversion: Vitale served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, an experience that ultimately led him to become a lifelong pacifist. He was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1964 and has since devoted his life to challenging the structures of violence.Nonviolent Resistance: He has been arrested numerous times for acts of nonviolent civil disobedience at military bases, nuclear weapons sites (like the Nevada Test Site), and the School of the Americas (SOA)/WHINSEC. He has spent several years in federal prison for his principled protests.The Plowshares Movement: A steadfast supporter of the Plowshares Movement, Fr. Vitale participated in the "San Lorenzo Three" Plowshares action in 1997, where he hammered on a naval weapons component. He has also served as a leader in the SOA Watch movement.Recognition: Fr. Vitale's decades of radical peacemaking and spiritual discipline were recognized by Pax Christi USA when he was named a Teacher of Peace in 2001 (alongside Philip Berrigan and Elizabeth McAlister).
Teachers of Peace Award Laureates (2000 ~ 1991)
Dianna Ortiz
Teachers of Peace Award 2000
Sister Dianna Ortiz, OSU (1958–2021), was an American Ursuline nun, missionary, and leading international human rights activist renowned for transforming her horrific personal ordeal into a global campaign against torture.While serving as a missionary teaching Mayan children in Guatemala in 1989, she was abducted, tortured, and raped by Guatemalan military forces. Her survival and courageous decision to speak out, despite efforts to discredit her, were instrumental in forcing the U.S. government to declassify long-secret files related to the country's civil war and U.S. foreign policy.Ortiz dedicated the remainder of her life to advocating for justice. She founded the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC) to provide support and a voice for torture survivors worldwide. She also served with Pax Christi USA, which recognized her lifetime of courageous nonviolent witness by awarding her the Teacher of Peace Award in 2000. Her memoir, The Blindfold's Eyes: My Journey from Torture to Truth, remains a vital testament to her resilience.
Martin Sheen
Teachers of Peace Award 1999
Martin Sheen (born Ramón Estévez) is a highly acclaimed American actor whose six-decade career is matched by a tireless commitment to social and political activism. He is best known for his powerful performances as Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now (1979) and the moralistic President Josiah Bartlet in the TV series The West Wing (1999–2006).A devout Catholic, Sheen's activism is rooted in the principles of the Catholic Worker Movement, which he joined early in his career, and his faith's emphasis on social justice. He is an outspoken advocate for nuclear disarmament, environmental protection, immigrant rights, and the consistent life ethic (opposing abortion, capital punishment, and war). Sheen has engaged in nonviolent civil disobedience for decades, resulting in being arrested over 60 times at protests for causes such as the School of the Americas (SOA) Watch and anti-nuclear demonstrations at the Nevada Test Site. He has used his platform and his earnings, such as donating his salary from the film Gandhi to charity, to promote global peace.
Kathy Kelly
Teachers of Peace Award 1998
Kathy Kelly is a long-time American peace activist, pacifist, and author recognized globally for her uncompromising commitment to nonviolent resistance and her presence in war zones. She is a co-founder of both Voices in the Wilderness (1996) and Voices for Creative Nonviolence (until 2020), grassroots campaigns that challenged U.S. military and economic warfare.Kelly's activism is defined by direct action and solidarity. She traveled to Iraq 26 times, openly defying U.S./U.N. economic sanctions by bringing medicine and supplies to suffering children, an act that resulted in fines and threats of imprisonment. Her opposition to militarism has led to arrests over 60 times, including time served in federal prison for planting corn on a nuclear missile silo site in Missouri and for protesting at the School of the Americas (SOA). She has been repeatedly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and was recognized as the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace in 1998 for her lifetime of courageous nonviolent witness.
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Roy Bourgeois
Teachers of Peace Award 1997
Roy Bourgeois (b. 1938) is a highly prominent American activist and former Catholic Maryknoll priest renowned as the founder of the School of the Americas Watch (SOA Watch), a movement dedicated to closing the controversial U.S. Army training school.Early Life & Conversion: After serving as a Naval Officer in Vietnam and receiving the Purple Heart, his experience with the war and subsequent missionary work in Bolivia (1972–1975) profoundly shifted his focus to peacemaking and human rights.SOA Watch: In 1990, driven by the assassinations of Archbishop Óscar Romero and four U.S. churchwomen in El Salvador (some of whom were his friends), and the 1989 massacre of six Jesuit priests—all linked to graduates of the School of the Americas (SOA) at Fort Benning, Georgia—Bourgeois founded SOA Watch.Activism: He led years of nonviolent protests and civil disobedience at the SOA (renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation or WHINSEC in 2001), resulting in him serving over four years in federal prisons.Legacy: Bourgeois was expelled from the priesthood in 2012 for his public support of women's ordination. He is a recipient of the 1997 Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award and the 2011 American Peace Award for his lifelong, uncompromising human rights advocacy.
Helen Prejean
Teachers of Peace Award 1996
Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J. (b. 1939), is a renowned American Catholic nun, author, and leading international activist against the death penalty. A member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, her life's work focuses on spiritual guidance for those on death row and a global campaign for abolition.Ministry and Book: Sister Helen became a spiritual advisor to death row inmate Patrick Sonnier in 1982. Her profound experiences witnessing his execution and that of other inmates became the basis of her 1993 book, Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States. The book was a global bestseller, adapted into an Academy Award-winning film and an opera, dramatically raising public awareness of capital punishment's moral issues.Advocacy: She is a tireless speaker, lobbying state legislatures and educating the public about the need to end the death penalty, arguing for a restorative justice approach that prioritizes healing over vengeance. She also co-founded "Survive," a victims' advocacy group in New Orleans.Legacy: Her subsequent books, The Death of Innocents and River of Fire, continue her mission. Her ministry embodies the Catholic Church's consistent opposition to the death penalty, a commitment that was recognized when she received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1990.
Jim & Kathy McGinnis
Teachers of Peace Award 1995
Jim McGinnis (1942–2009) and Kathy McGinnis are highly influential American Catholic peace educators, authors, and pacifists who dedicated their careers to teaching nonviolence and social justice, particularly within the context of family and school life.Institute for Peace and Justice: The couple were the co-founders of the Institute for Peace and Justice in St. Louis, which served as a national hub for peace education and curriculum development for four decades.Pioneering Curricula: They co-authored "Educating for Peace and Justice, A Manual for Teachers," one of the first comprehensive peace education curricula in the U.S., which became widely used globally. Their book, Parenting for Peace and Justice, helped create an international network for teaching peacemaking within families.Foundational Beliefs: Jim's commitment to nonviolence deepened after his National Guard unit was sent to Memphis during the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., leading him to become a conscientious objector.Legacy: Their focus on linking peace to personal development, family life, and social action has profoundly impacted the Catholic peace movement and earned them the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1995. Kathy McGinnis continues their work in nonviolence education.
James & Shelley Douglass
Teachers of Peace Award 1994
James "Jim" and Shelley Douglass are American Catholic peace activists, writers, and theologians recognized for their decades of commitment to nonviolent resistance and their ministry of presence near nuclear weapons sites. They are the co-founders of the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action.Ground Zero Center: In 1977, they co-founded the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action near Bangor Naval Submarine Base in Washington State, the homeport for a large portion of the U.S. Navy's Trident nuclear submarine fleet. The center is a community dedicated to a simple lifestyle, spiritual growth, and nonviolent action aimed at nuclear disarmament.Theological Foundation: Jim Douglass is a theologian whose influential books, such as JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters, explore themes of nonviolence, prophecy, and conspiracy in political history. Shelley Douglass has been a constant partner in both the community's spiritual life and its direct action campaigns.Nonviolent Resistance: Their activism involves regular acts of nonviolent civil disobedience and witness, often resulting in arrests and jail time, to challenge the morality and legality of nuclear weapons. Their commitment to confronting the source of nuclear war earned them the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1992.
Colman McCarthy
Teachers of Peace Award 1993
Colman McCarthy (b. 1938) is a highly influential American journalist, teacher, lecturer, and pacifist renowned for his dedicated work in peace education. He wrote columns for The Washington Post from 1969 to 1997, where he was often called "the liberal conscience of The Washington Post," using his platform to champion issues of nonviolence, poverty, and social justice.Since 1982, McCarthy has been teaching courses on nonviolence and the literature of peace to thousands of students at universities (like Georgetown and American University) and high schools. In 1985, he founded the non-profit Center for Teaching Peace to help schools initiate or expand peace studies programs. His philosophy is that if society does not deliberately teach peace, the dominant culture will teach violence. He challenges students to question the conventional wisdom that violence is the answer and to study the lives of historical peacemakers like Gandhi and King. For his lifelong work in education and activism, he received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1993.
Dom Hélder Câmara
Teachers of Peace Award 1992
Dom Hélder Pessoa Câmara (1909–1999) was a Brazilian Catholic archbishop, theologian, and one of the most influential advocates for human rights and nonviolence of the 20th century.Known as the "Bishop of the Favelas" and the "Artisan of Peace," Dom Hélder Câmara was a central figure at the Second Vatican Council and one of the main exponents of Liberation Theology in Brazil.🕊️ Key Contributions and Activism
Archbishop of Olinda and Recife (1964–1985): During his archiepiscopate in Northeast Brazil, one of the poorest regions in the country, he became a fearless voice in defense of the marginalized. He lived simply, refusing to reside in the episcopal palace to live in a small room adjacent to the Church of Nossa Senhora das Fronteiras.Founding of the CNBB: He was one of the founders of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) in 1952 and served as its first Secretary-General.Opposition to the Military Dictatorship: During the Brazilian Military Dictatorship (1964–1985), Dom Hélder Câmara openly denounced torture, social injustices, and human rights violations. Because of his criticism, he was censored, and his name was banned from the Brazilian press.Pax Christi: In 1992, he received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award. He was also the Brazilian who received the most nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.The "Violence of Peace": His activism was grounded in nonviolent action. One of his most famous quotes summarizes his work and the reaction it provoked:"When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist."
Thomas Gumbleton
Teachers of Peace Award 1991
Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton (1930–2024) was a lifelong American Catholic prelate and a prominent social justice and peace activist known for his prophetic voice and solidarity with marginalized communities. He served as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit from 1968 to 2006.Key Activism and Legacy
Pax Christi USA Founder: Gumbleton was the founding president of Pax Christi USA (1972–1991), the national Catholic peace movement advocating for nonviolence and nuclear disarmament. He also served as a vice-president of Pax Christi International.Anti-War Stance: He was one of the first and most outspoken U.S. bishops to oppose the Vietnam War and continued his activism throughout his life, protesting the Iraq War, NATO bombings, and nuclear weapons testing, often engaging in nonviolent civil disobedience and being arrested multiple times.Global Solidarity: He traveled extensively to global conflict and poverty hotspots—including Iraq, Afghanistan, El Salvador, and Haiti—to offer pastoral care and witness to human rights abuses.Church Reform: Gumbleton was a progressive voice within the Church, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights (inspired by his gay brother), women's ordination, and victims of clergy sexual abuse, which ultimately led to him being forced to retire after speaking out publicly in 2007.Recognition: He was a co-author of the U.S. Bishops' 1983 pastoral letter, "The Challenge of Peace," and received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1991 for his commitment to Gospel nonviolence.
Teachers of Peace Award Laureates (1990 ~ 1978)
Joan Chittister
Teachers of Peace Award 1990
Sister Joan D. Chittister, O.S.B. (b. 1936), is an internationally known American Benedictine nun, theologian, and author recognized as one of the most articulate voices for justice, peace, human rights, and women's issues within the Catholic Church and global society. She is a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania.Activism and Influence
Prolific Author: Chittister has authored over 60 books and hundreds of articles, blending Benedictine monastic spirituality with contemporary ethical and social critiques. Her books, such as The Monastic Heart and The Time is Now, are bestsellers, encouraging modern seekers to integrate contemplative practices with social engagement.Leadership and Advocacy: She served as prioress of her community for 12 years and was a past president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). She is a co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women, promoting a spiritual perspective in conflict resolution worldwide.Prophetic Voice: Known for her courageous stance on controversial issues, she has consistently advocated for gender equality in the church and monastic renewal, often challenging institutional power structures. She defied a Vatican order in 2001 to speak at a conference on women's ordination.Recognition: Her dedication to peace and her intellectual contributions were recognized when she received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1990. She is also the founder and executive director of Benetvision, a resource center for contemporary spirituality.
Daniel Berrigan
Teachers of Peace Award 1989
Father Daniel J. Berrigan, S.J. (1921–2016), was an influential American Jesuit priest, poet, author, and radical peace activist who, alongside his brother Philip Berrigan, became a leading figure in the Catholic Left movement and a lifelong proponent of nonviolent resistance to war and nuclear weapons.Activism and Resistance
The Catonsville Nine (1968): Berrigan gained international notoriety for leading the Catonsville Nine action, where they entered a draft board office in Catonsville, Maryland, seized hundreds of Vietnam War draft files, and burned them using homemade napalm. This act of civil disobedience was a powerful moral indictment of the war.Fugitive Status: Following his conviction, Berrigan briefly went underground to avoid arrest, becoming a counterculture hero and famously delivering a sermon at a peace rally while being sought by the FBI.Plowshares Movement: He was a dedicated supporter and participant in the Plowshares Movement, co-founded by his brother Philip, which engaged in symbolic disarmament actions—hammering on nuclear missile components—based on the biblical injunction to turn "swords into plowshares."Literary Legacy: Berrigan wrote over 50 books of poetry, prose, and religious reflection, including The Trial of the Catonsville Nine. His works eloquently articulated the spiritual necessity of nonviolent protest.Recognition: His decades of prophetic witness against U.S. militarism and for human rights earned him the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1978 (with Philip Berrigan).
Lawrence Jenco
Teachers of Peace Award 1988
Father Lawrence Martin Jenco, O.S.M. (1934–1996), was an American Servite priest, peacemaker, and former hostage known for his dedication to missionary work and his courageous spiritual response to his captivity in Lebanon.Missionary Work and Captivity
Servite Order: Jenco was a member of the Order of Friar Servants of Mary (Servites), dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized. He spent years in Rome and Chicago before focusing on international relief work.Relief Work in Lebanon: In 1984, he became the director of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Lebanon, overseeing humanitarian aid during the country's devastating civil war.Hostage Crisis: On January 8, 1985, while working in Beirut, Father Jenco was kidnapped by Shiite extremists from the organization Islamic Jihad. He was held for 18 months, enduring isolation and hardship. He was finally released on July 26, 1986, through the efforts of Terry Waite and others.Legacy of Forgiveness
Spiritual Response: Following his release, Jenco did not express bitterness. Instead, he became a profound voice for forgiveness and reconciliation, viewing his experience as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper empathy.Advocacy: He dedicated the rest of his life to ministry and speaking about the power of faith to overcome hatred. He authored the book Bound to Forgive (1995), which chronicles his ordeal and spiritual journey.Recognition: Father Jenco's transformative witness—turning suffering into a message of peace and forgiveness—earned him the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1987.
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Raymond Hunthausen
Teachers of Peace Award 1987
Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen (1921–2018) was a revered American Catholic prelate known for his profound humility and his prophetic social activism. He served as the Archbishop of Seattle from 1975 to 1991, becoming one of the most visible American Catholic opponents of the nuclear arms race.Activism and Legacy
"Auschwitz of Puget Sound": In 1981, he famously denounced the Trident nuclear submarine fleet stationed near Seattle, calling the naval base "the Auschwitz of Puget Sound," a morally charged statement that made international headlines.Tax Resistance: To protest the government's nuclear spending, Hunthausen began withholding half of his federal income taxes in 1982, leading the IRS to garnish his wages. This act of civil resistance inspired activists worldwide.Vatican II Champion: As the youngest American bishop to attend all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council, he was a progressive advocate for ecumenism, lay collaboration, and inclusive pastoral care, leading to controversies with the Vatican hierarchy over his approach to divorced and LGBTQ+ Catholics.Recognition: His decades of courageous witness against militarism, his support for the poor, and his unflinching commitment to the Gospel's call for peace earned him the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1987.
Jean Goss & Hildegard Goss-Mayr
Teachers of Peace Award 1986
Jean Goss (1912–1991) and Hildegard Goss-Mayr (b. 1930) were a tremendously influential European husband-and-wife team who dedicated their lives to pioneering the widespread use of Gospel-based, nonviolent action in international conflict zones.Global Nonviolence Training
International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR): Hildegard, an Austrian theologian and educator, was a key figure in the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), where she served as the Secretary for Nonviolent Education and Training. Together, the couple traveled to over 70 countries, training countless activists and community leaders.Training and Impact: They specialized in training people on the use of nonviolent direct action in hostile environments, often drawing from their Catholic faith and the strategies of Gandhi. Their training was instrumental in strengthening democratic movements and challenging dictatorships, notably influencing nonviolent campaigns in Latin America (like in Chile during Pinochet's regime) and Eastern Europe.Pax Christi Connection: The Goss-Mayrs were foundational figures in strengthening the nonviolence movement within the Catholic Church. Their work was recognized with the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1985. Hildegard Goss-Mayr remains a powerful and active voice for nonviolent solutions to conflict worldwide.
Jean Donovan
Teachers of Peace Award 1984
Jean Donovan (1953–1980) was a courageous American lay missionary and activist whose life was tragically cut short while serving the poor and displaced during the brutal civil war in El Salvador. She is an enduring symbol of Christian commitment to social justice and solidarity.Commitment to Service
Early Life: Raised in an affluent Connecticut family, Donovan initially pursued a comfortable life, working in advertising. However, she was profoundly drawn to service and joined the Cleveland Diocesan Mission Team in 1979, becoming a lay missionary in La Libertad, El Salvador.Ministry in Conflict: She worked closely with Sister Dorothy Kazel, OSU, ministering to impoverished families, providing medical aid, and delivering food. Their work often involved rescuing and transporting refugees fleeing the escalating violence and military repression, putting them in constant danger.Martyrdom: On December 2, 1980, Jean Donovan, along with Sisters Dorothy Kazel, Ita Ford, and Maura Clarke, was abducted, raped, and murdered by five Salvadoran National Guardsmen. Their martyrdom drew international attention to the human rights abuses in El Salvador and the role of the U.S. government in supporting the military regime.Legacy: The four churchwomen were posthumously recognized for their ultimate sacrifice and their unwavering commitment to the marginalized. Jean Donovan was awarded the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1981 (with the other three churchwomen).
Dorothy Kazel
Teachers of Peace Award 1984
Sister Dorothy Kazel, O.S.U. (1939–1980), was a dedicated American Ursuline nun and missionary who exemplified profound commitment to the poor and displaced in El Salvador during the country's civil war. Her martyrdom in 1980 cemented her place as a powerful symbol of faith-driven solidarity and nonviolent service.Service in El Salvador
Ursuline Vocation: A member of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, Sister Dorothy was a certified counselor who felt a calling to serve in Central America.Missionary Work: She arrived in El Salvador in 1974 and, along with Jean Donovan and Sister Maura Clarke, worked with the Cleveland Diocesan Mission Team. Based in La Libertad, she coordinated the parish's outreach, providing crucial medical aid, food, and shelter to families who were terrorized by escalating military violence and poverty. She also ran a vital program to train lay leaders to carry on the church’s ministry.Martyrdom: On December 2, 1980, while returning from the airport after picking up two fellow missionaries, Sister Dorothy Kazel, along with Jean Donovan, Ita Ford, and Maura Clarke, was stopped, abducted, raped, and murdered by five Salvadoran National Guardsmen.Legacy: Their murder forced a crisis in U.S. foreign policy and drew international scrutiny to the human rights situation in El Salvador. Sister Dorothy Kazel was posthumously honored with the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1981 (with the other three churchwomen).
Ita Ford
Teachers of Peace Award 1984
Sister Ita Ford, M.M. (1940–1980), was a courageous American Maryknoll Sister and missionary whose life was devoted to serving the poor and oppressed in Latin America. Her ultimate sacrifice in El Salvador made her a lasting symbol of commitment to justice and solidarity during conflict.Missionary Life and Martyrdom
Maryknoll Vocation: Sister Ita entered the Maryknoll Sisters in 1961. After teaching in the U.S., she felt a strong calling to mission work and served for several years in Chile during the difficult political and economic changes under Salvador Allende.El Salvador Ministry: In 1980, she transferred to El Salvador to join the mission team in Chalatenango, a region heavily impacted by civil war and military repression. She worked alongside Sister Maura Clarke, providing basic necessities, comfort, and transportation to peasants displaced and brutalized by the conflict.Martyrdom: On December 2, 1980, Sister Ita Ford was abducted, raped, and murdered by five Salvadoran National Guardsmen, along with Sister Dorothy Kazel, Sister Maura Clarke, and lay missionary Jean Donovan. They were killed for their work in defense of the poor and their witness against military atrocities.Legacy: The four churchwomen were recognized posthumously for their heroic faith and service. Sister Ita Ford was awarded the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1981 (with the other three churchwomen).
Maura Clarke
Teachers of Peace Award 1984
Sister Maura Clarke, M.M. (1931–1980), was a dedicated American Maryknoll Sister and missionary whose life of selfless service and compassion ended tragically in El Salvador. She is honored as a martyr for justice and a powerful example of radical solidarity with the poor.Life of Mission and Service
Maryknoll Vocation: Sister Maura entered the Maryknoll Sisters in 1950 and spent many years serving in Nicaragua, where she worked extensively with the poor and victims of the devastating 1972 earthquake.El Salvador Ministry: Driven by a commitment to where the need was greatest, she transferred to El Salvador in 1980 to join Sister Ita Ford in the Chalatenango region. In the midst of the civil war, she provided essential humanitarian aid—food, medicine, and transport—to refugees fleeing military attacks and political persecution, knowing the grave risks involved.Martyrdom: On December 2, 1980, Sister Maura Clarke, along with her companions Ita Ford, Dorothy Kazel, and Jean Donovan, was abducted, raped, and murdered by five Salvadoran National Guardsmen. Their targeted killings were a direct consequence of their solidarity with the marginalized population.Legacy: The global outrage over their deaths galvanized the human rights movement and prompted international scrutiny of U.S. support for the Salvadoran military regime. Sister Maura Clarke was posthumously recognized with the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1981 (with the other three churchwomen).
Gordon Zahn
Teachers of Peace Award 1983
Gordon Zahn (1918–2007) was a prominent American sociologist, pacifist, and Catholic conscientious objector whose academic and activist life was dedicated to exploring the morality of warfare and challenging Catholic teachings on military service.Key Contributions
World War II Objector: During World War II, Zahn was a conscientious objector, spending time in a civilian public service camp, a foundational experience that shaped his life's work.Sociological Research: As a professor, his research focused intensely on the sociology of religion, peace, and war. His most famous work, German Catholics and Hitler's Wars (1962), was a pioneering study that critically examined the failure of German Catholic institutions to oppose Nazism, arguing that the Church's traditional support for the state during wartime compromised its moral authority.Vatican II Influence: His research significantly influenced the Catholic Church's reflection on modern warfare during the Second Vatican Council. His later book, War, Conscience and Dissent (1967), helped shift Catholic theology toward a greater acceptance of conscientious objection and pacifism.Recognition: Zahn's intellectual rigor and moral consistency in advocating for nonviolence and conscience led to him being named a Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace in 1982.
Eileen Egan
Teachers of Peace Award 1983
Eileen Egan (1912–2000) was an influential American journalist, Catholic activist, and pioneering figure in the global peace movement. She is celebrated as one of the primary initiators and co-founders of Pax Christi USA, the American branch of the international Catholic peace movement.Key Work and Influence
Catholic Relief Services (CRS): Beginning in 1943, Egan spent decades as a staff member of Catholic Relief Services, traveling the globe to deliver aid to refugees and displaced civilians in crisis zones, including Vietnam, Korea, and Gaza. Her work combined practical assistance with a relentless critique of the causes of war.Nonviolence and the Seamless Garment: A staunch advocate of Gospel nonviolence, she rejected the term "pacifist" because of its echo in "passivity." Egan is also widely credited with coining the term "seamless garment" to describe the consistent Catholic ethical teaching that all human life, from conception to natural death, is sacred.Global Connections: She was a close associate and friend of both Dorothy Day (marching with Martin Luther King Jr. at Selma) and Mother Teresa, whose official biography she wrote.Legacy: Egan used her journalism to lobby for peace and helped establish the right to conscientious objection as a universal human right at the United Nations. She received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1983 (with Gordon Zahn).
Mary Evelyn Jegen
Teachers of Peace Award 1982
Sister Mary Evelyn Jegen, S.N.D. (1930–2014), was an influential American Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, educator, and a key leader in the Catholic peace movement. Her work focused on integrating Gospel-based nonviolence into education and advocacy.Key Roles and Activism
Pax Christi USA: Jegen was a founding figure and central pillar of Pax Christi USA from its inception. She served for many years as a vice-president of Pax Christi International and was instrumental in developing its theological foundations and educational programs.Education and Curriculum: As a professor of English and later a peace and justice educator, she focused on developing curricula that taught the principles of nonviolent action and conflict resolution. She believed strongly in educating the next generation about alternatives to militarism.Global Nonviolence: Jegen traveled extensively, offering training and spiritual guidance to peace activists worldwide, carrying the message that nonviolence is a powerful and viable strategy for social change, not just a passive stance.Recognition: Her lifelong, quiet but persistent leadership in the global peace movement, her dedication to teaching, and her spiritual guidance were recognized when she received the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1984.
Paul Hanly Furfey
Teachers of Peace Award 1980
Monsignor Paul Hanly Furfey (1896–1992) was a pioneering American Catholic priest, sociologist, and radical social reformer who dedicated his academic and spiritual life to integrating scientific inquiry with bold Christian action. He taught at Catholic University of America (CUA) for decades, where he headed the Sociology Department.Furfey is considered the premier intellectual advocate for the Catholic Worker Movement, influencing leaders like Dorothy Day. He rejected academic "value-neutrality," insisting that sociology must confront social evils and be grounded in the Gospel's concern for the poor. He co-founded social settlement houses in Washington, D.C., like Fides House and Il Poverello House, to empower marginalized communities. His writings, such as Fire on the Earth, challenged Catholics to adopt a "supernatural" radicalism to achieve social transformation based on love. His willingness to confront issues from poverty to the Vietnam War made him a powerful voice for social justice.
Dorothy Day
Teachers of Peace Award 1978
Dorothy Day (1897–1980) was a renowned American journalist, social activist, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. She is a pivotal figure in 20th-century Catholic history, known for her conversion to Catholicism and her unwavering commitment to the poor and to Christian pacifism.Key Legacy and Activism
Catholic Worker Movement: In 1933, with French social activist Peter Maurin, she co-founded The Catholic Worker newspaper and the Catholic Worker houses of hospitality. These houses offered direct, radical aid—food and shelter—to the destitute, embodying solidarity with the marginalized.Pacifism and Nonviolence: Day was a radical pacifist, publicly opposing every U.S. war from World War I onward. Her commitment to nonviolent direct action led to her being arrested many times. She was a strong advocate of the consistent life ethic and was a champion of labor rights."The Saint of the Gutters": Day lived a life of voluntary poverty and rigorous spiritual discipline, often referred to as a "saint" by many, though she famously insisted, "Don't call me a saint. I don't want to be dismissed that easily."Canonization Cause: Her cause for canonization as a Catholic saint was officially opened by the Archdiocese of New York in 2000. She was a recipient of the Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award in 1980.