Pax Christi: a discussion of sects, denominations and religions

Northwestern is a religious school, that’s for sure. However, not all religions are equally discussed and brought to the surface here. Pax Christi (which is Latin for the peace of Christ) is a group that was founded on those premises – a group for Catholics to understand and talk about their faith. Shaunna Ell, a graduate of Pax Christi, explained her gratitude for Pax Christi because sometimes being one of the minority religions on campus is “frustrating and lonely.”
Students who don’t practice Catholicism are invited to participate in discussions as well. The group members believe that having a number of different religious beliefs represented enriches the experience considerably. Members are not afraid to discuss their faith and they are certainly not afraid to learn. Students take part in Pax Christi to continue to learn about their faith even while being in the minority.
Member Chelsea Stanton described the basics of this student-led group. “It is a place for Catholics and non-Catholics to meet for informal, ecumenical conversation and to ponder other questions about theology – God and life.” She went on to say that the mission of Pax Christi is to provide an informal atmosphere to discuss faith and life across Catholic and Protestant divisions. However, the group doesn’t just stick to those denominations.
Recently, the book of Mormon was brought into discussion and the group is currently pondering the faith of the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Jebidiah Rach, freshman and new member of the group, shared input as well, “There’s discussion about a lot of items related to religion. Despite the fact that [Pax Christi] is sometimes advertised as a Catholic discussion group, really, it turns out to be about Christianity as a whole. Plus, there’s free food!”
The roots of Pax Christi come from a basic, almost biological need to be understood as well as to understand others. Justin Derry, graduate of NW, is one of the key people involved in starting Pax Christi. Regardless of the community in Heemstra, he still felt isolated and lonely in his faith. “My friends in the dorm were supportive but there were still the differences in our belief structure that never seemed to go away.  It was like the elephant in the room. I did not have anyone to talk seriously with about doctrines of my faith.”
Many other students at NW felt the same was Derry did, including Ell. She said, “I sat through some chapels with speakers who had anti-Catholic views. I also heard negative things about the Catholic Church and Catholicism in some of my classes.” Being a part of Pax Christi helped people like Derry and Ell gain a better hold on their faith and the ability to challenge themselves in their beliefs. This is important but also can be daunting when facing a majority of non-Catholics.
Pax Christi is open to everyone and they are looking for more people to join. They meet in the South Conference room in the Franken Center from 7-9 p.m. on Mondays.