Nuns Against Gun Violence
CSA has made a commitment to nonviolence by joining Nuns Against Gun Violence, a coalition of more than 60 congregations of Catholic sisters and their allies that affirms the value of human life through prayer, education, and advocacy for common sense, evidence-based, gun violence prevention. Founded in April 2023, Nuns Against Gun Violence meets bi-weekly to discuss advocacy efforts and with the mission to affirm the value of human life through prayer, education, and advocacy for common sense, evidence-based, gun violence prevention.
There are many ways for you to join the effort against gun violence:
- Host a prayer vigil using the “Lifting Our Light in the Darkness” service provided by Nuns Against Gun Violence
- Take time to become familiar with legislative bills in your state and call your state senators and representatives to demand they take the time to thoroughly read, understand, and support these life-saving policies.
- Pray a novena for peace
Annual Peace Tree Lighting
Each year as darkness shortens daylight hours, the Sisters of St. Agnes light a Peace Tree at their Motherhouse to display during the Advent and Christmas seasons.
The Peace Tree is a 31-year-old CSA tradition, initiated by Sister Marie Scott, during the Gulf War known as Desert Storm. The war lasted from August 1990–February 1991. Unfortunately, since that time war has continued almost unabated, often with United States involvement. Our ongoing commitment to peace in our world is needed now as much as ever.
Advent brings us closer to Christ who is with us. We are reminded that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. We are called to reach out with love to our sisters and brothers in need, sharing our hope for a world transformed.
CSA's Commitment to Peace and Non-Violence
During the civil war in Nicaragua in the 1990s, three members of the Congregation of St. Agnes were killed. These tragedies, together with the 9-11 terrorist attacks on USA soil, heightened the Sisters’ consciousness of violence both at home and abroad. Instead of retaliation, they expressed their belief in nonviolence and committed to become peacemakers (like Jesus and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.).
The congregation released its Stance on Peace and Non-violence on January 20, 2002 to coincide with the feast of their patroness, St. Agnes, and the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his commitment to nonviolence. They committed to living the gospel values of love and forgiveness, to be peacemakers, and to promote justice.
In addition to living out these values in their own community and personal relationships, sisters and associates have participated in peaceful demonstrations, vigils, and some in non-violent civil disobedience.