PCUSA Ambassador of Peace, Marie Dennis is First Lay President Since Founding
by Paul Lansu
Antwerp, Belgium—Pax Christi International has elected Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo and Marie Dennis as the new Presidents of Pax Christi International at their Annual General Assembly taking place April 28, 2007 in Antwerp, Belgium. Their 3 year mandate as co-presidents begins at the Triennial World Assembly of Pax Christi International, which will take place from October 30 to November 4, 2007 in Torhout/Bruges. The present International President, H.B. Michel Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, will remain in office until November 3, 2007.
Pax Christi International was founded in 1945 in France as a movement of Catholics in Europe who wanted to promote reconciliation at the end of the Second World War. Madame Marthe Dortel-Claudot and Msgr. Théas inspired the foundation of the movement. Today, Pax Christi is a dynamic faith based network with more than 100 member organizations active worldwide. By electing co-presidents, a lay woman and a bishop to lead the movement, Pax Christi returns to its roots and lifts up a model of shared leadership in the Catholic Church.
Msgr. Laurent MONSENGWO PASYNIA (DR CONGO)
Archbishop of Kisangani and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As former President of SCEAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar), Msgr. Monsengwo worked continually for peace building efforts in his country, and throughout Africa. He is convinced that a lasting peace can only be realised through dialogue among the citizens of all countries. He is often consulted by high officials concerning Africa. Member of the Executive Committee of Pax Christi International since 1999 and Vice President until November 3, 2007. He is member of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
Marie DENNIS (USA)
As director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Marie Dennis is responsible for bringing the voice and experience of Maryknoll missionaries and their commitment to peace, social justice and the integrity of creation into policy discussions in the U.S. and other governments, the World Bank, the IMF, the United Nations and the corporate world. She has international experience particularly in Latin America and Africa and is author or co-author of six books on peace, social justice and spirituality. Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace. Member of the Executive Committee of Pax Christi International since 1999 and Vice President until November 3, 2007. The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns is a member organization of Pax Christi International.
