News

Justice and Peace Commission

Fr Flavie Villaneuva SVD and Sister Wendy Mea OP work with a small staff in the Justice and Peace Commission which was established by Bishop Belo after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Their main current work is in "Active Non-Violence", based on a Philippines model which focuses on dialogue. Four thousand people have undertaken this ANV training, including parish workers, internally displaced persons and Diocesan employees. The Commission also works with 17 of the 23 gangs in Dili using this method of problem-solving and personal growth. The success of their work is seen in the response of the gangs to the events of February 11, 2008, where the gang leaders rang in to JPC expressing their concerns and frustration. Through the ensuing meetings and dialogue they calmed down and did not take violent measures in response to the attacks on the President and the Prime Minister.