I am delighted to know that Caritas Internationalis is forging ahead with another significant step to “construct” peace in this ever-warring world. While the impulse for war is ever-present, the imperative for peace must guide our enlightened society, and individuals to bring the best and the noblest in every human being. Cyberspace is a new “space,” where we can choose to give in to our impulse to violence, or elect to use this space for the greater good of humankind.

This effort to “construct” peace by using on-line resources is vital. I sincerely hope, we can make a sustainable contribution towards the fundamental aspiration of every human being to live, grow, and “pass on” in peace.

Archbishop Romero is an inspiring witness of the best in the human being, and as a builder of just peace.




In faithfulness to its calling and to its vision and mission, Caritas Sri Lanka is committed to defend human dignity, to stand with poor and powerless people, to advocate justice, to work for peace, and to care for the all the ethnic groups of the Sri Lankan society. Whereas, Caritas Sri Lanka believes that peace is an essential part of the good news of Jesus and it is the PEACE for all the Nations. Therefore, Caritas has incorporated peacemaking as a way of life through the use of different methods with the support of Caritas Network. Peace is a major concern of our days, especially because of the present conflicts in Sri Lanka. Conflict in any part of the country affects the whole Island. The Church, precisely as a Peace building organization par excellence, is well placed to address the present situation of the country, therefore the Church needs to advocate nonviolence and peace as Jesus advocated.




Caritas makes a critical difference in our world by learning the real needs of people. It brings to light the sufferings of the world, poverty, war atrocities, injustice, and sicknesses. Caritas is truly on the side of the voiceless, the marginalised and the dispossessed.



With the launch of the Peacebuilding Tool Kit, Caritas Internationalis offers a faithful response to our shared call to “seek peace and pursue it”. Caritas is a strong partner to many, including the Presbyterian/Reformed family. I am grateful for this important tool that will undergird our common commitments to strengthen and restore human relationships and transform unjust institutions and systems. As we look to the future, this Caritas resource will equip the faith community as it grows in its witness to peace, and trains a new generation of peace-builders for service to God's world.

With a realization of the gift of peace, people within a community are able to cooperate with one another in order to grow and develop. Establishing peace is the key element to that cooperation. The Peacebuilding: Web Toolkit for Trainers, developed by Caritas Internationalis provides elements that are essential for finding peace. It provides practitioners, especially at the grassroots level, with the materials that they can use to help others establish peace though the breaking down of barriers, prejudices and stereotypes that lead to false information, fear and suspicions. The toolkit is a treasure house of information and best practices that will enable the establishment of peace committees within the community that will counteract the movement toward violence or conflict. Anyone – everyone who seeks peace can use the materials as an instrument for peace in order to become instruments of peace.