David Hardisty PAX Collection

Archive reference: Cwl PC

About PAX

PAX was formed in 1936 by a group of individuals who sought peace by practical application of Christian ethics, believing that modern warfare could no longer meet "just war" criteria. It was inter-denominational though it had a strong Catholic focus. Close links were developed with other peace groups including the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship and the Fellowship of Reconciliation. The work of the Group during World War 2 included offering help to Catholic conscientious objectors. Membership declined post-war, although the group continued to publish, but revived later in opposition to atomic weapons. In 1971, the group merged with international Catholic peace group, Pax Christi.

The Archive

This collection, one of the Commonweal Archives, comprises photocopies of PAX Bulletin, meeting minutes and some Pax Christi documents. It was created by David Hardisty in researching his undergraduate Peace Studies dissertation on the history of PAX in 1978 and later donated to the Commonweal Collection. Further information: Collection-level entry on the Library catalogue.