Below you will find a press release regarding an important announcement regarding the move of Pax Christi USA's national headquarters from Erie, PA to Washington, D.C.

In peace,

Johnny Zokovitch

Director of National Field Operations, Pax Christi USA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2011

Pax Christi USA moves national headquarters to nation's capital

Washington, D.C.-Calling it an "exciting step forward," Pax Christi USA National Council Chairperson Sr. Josie Chrosniak, HM, announced the establishment of a new national headquarters for Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement, in Washington, D.C.

"The growth of our movement, the dire need for voices holding up nonviolence, and our ever deepening commitment to speak truth to power call us to a new moment. It is an exciting step forward for Pax Christi USA," said Sr. Chrosniak.

Pax Christi USA's National Council determined to make the move at this time as an effort to enhance the organization's ability to influence the content and tone of our national political and religious conversations on issues which are at the heart Pax Christi USA's mission. Pax Christi USA has maintained a program office in Washington, D.C. since 2002, and recently expanded that presence by moving to the Center of Concern and initiating an internship program that includes a live-in community.

"Our intern community is a living witness of Pax Christi's core commitment to nonviolence and right relationships and embodies the values and aspirations of Pax Christi members across the nation," said Dave Robinson, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA. "In a very concrete way, they are bringing our movement to the steps of power by modeling the peace we all seek."  

Pax Christi USA's Washington operations are directed by Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU. "The D.C. Office works primarily to facilitate the voice of Pax Christi's nationwide network," said Sr. Ortiz. "We work to affect social transformation through a combination of organizational networking, coalition development and media work, direct interaction with Congress and the Administration, as well as extensive research and production of social analysis and theological reflection to empower grassroots activities nationwide."

Pax Christi USA maintained its national office in Erie, Pennsylvania since 1986. Initiated through the generosity of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, and under the early direction of Sr. Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB, the office provided support and resources during a time of transition in Pax Christi USA's history. In 1996, Pax Christi USA purchased a building and expanded staff and activities. During the years in Erie, Pax Christi USA saw its membership greatly increase and grow in terms of political and religious influence and access. Over the past decade, Pax Christi USA staff members have increasingly been called to meet with key governmental leaders in D.C. and collaborate with other national and international organizations based there. 

"It's the right time and the right move," said Pax Christi USA Bishop President, Bishop Gabino Zavala. "Pax Christi USA has been blessed by the support we have received in Erie over the years, including the remarkable Erie-based staff and the local peace community, particularly that of the Erie Benedictines. We move forward with this next step in our journey confident that the seeds planted and lovingly nurtured there will continue to thrive and flourish in the soil of our nation's capital," Zavala said.

The Erie office will be maintained during a transition phase through July as the remaining activities there are transferred to the Washington, D.C. office.

For more information, contact Director of Communications Johnny Zokovitch at 352-219-8419 or johnnypcusa@yahoo.com.

This press release is also available online at the Pax Christi USA website: http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_Events_more.asp?id=2097

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