Marquette Center for Peacemaking

2010-11: Jim Douglass

January 30-February 4, 2011

Jim Douglas is a theologian, activist and noted author on nonviolence and Christian theology. Along with his wife Shelley, he co-founded the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action in Poulsbo, Washington and Mary's House, a Catholic Worker house in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1997 Jim and Shelley were awarded the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award, a Catholic peace award. Douglass' latest book, JFK and the Unspeakable, explores how JFK was martyred as a peacemaker by forces within the Government. He is also the author of The Non-Violent Cross: A Theology of Revolution and Peace and The Non-Violent Coming of God.

2009-10: Nomfundo Walaza

April 5-9, 2010

 

Nomfundo Walaza, Chief Executive Officer of the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre, gave a presentation on her work in reconciliation. She is a clinical psychologist who started out her career at Valkenberg Hospital where she worked for 5 years and then moved on to become the Director of the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture in Cape Town which she headed for 9 years. She was actively involved as a commissioner in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.

 

2008-09: Christopher Ahrends

October 22-29, 2008

Christopher Ahrends, former chaplain to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and U2U Foundation consultant, spoke in classes and with student groups, led a meditation session, and presented the Theory W program in three installations to Marquette and the wider community.

Read his blog.

What people were saying:

"Chris provided us with time to be, to reflect, and to grow."

"His advice on creating a vision statement that helps us to achieve our dreams was very important."

"Chris encouraged us to embark on our own adventure."

"He just connected. It's hard to explain it. I feel like he shares things than many of us ache to hear."

"He offered actual, applicable ways to change ourselves."

"He didn't give us a presentation, he guided us on a journey."

"He talked about tangible ways in which we can transform the inner-self and then go on to serve others."

Co-sponsored by Marquette's Office of International Education, Manresa Project, and College of Professional Studies.

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2007-08: Kathy Kelly

April 4th

Kathy Kelly of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, a three time Nobel Peace Prize nominated group, spoke in classes, to the Muslim Student Association, and presented to a Marquette - Milwaukee audience.

What people were saying:

"It was great--the stories and storytelling style, non-judgmental of military, but clear stance, some practical applications, acceptance of personal responsibility (not just finger pointing)."

"Hearing from someone with personal experience in Iraq. The message of inclusivity--even those who we might consider our enemies or want to demonize." 

"Simple but impressionable--the singing of the names [of Iraqis and Americans who've died in Iraq] in remembrance."

"Amazing! The Whole Thing."