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What We Do

BFP works to address local, national, and global issues of peace and justice, often organizing and participating in demonstrations, vigils, and other forms of advocacy. We are particularly concerned with climate change, racism and justice in immigration, war and nuclear disarmament, and gun violence. BFP is proud to work in coalition with many other local activist groups. Contact us here to ask about collaborating, or to arrange nonviolence training for your organization. We also invite you to come to any of our events. Subscribe to our mailing list to learn how you can participate in our work, in Erie, PA, and elsewhere.
Take Back the Site vigils, 15 minutes in length, are held at the site of any homicide in the city of Erie. We hold these events with the purpose of reclaiming the site for nonviolence with our prayerful presence. During the vigils, we also pray for the loved ones of the person who was murdered and for the loved ones of the person who committed the murder. Family, friends, neighbors and those committed to being a presence for peace and nonviolence take part in the vigils. The first vigil was held in November 1999 and more than 100 have been held since.

TBTS is sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie and Oblates, Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates, Sisters of Mercy and Associates.

In response to escalating tensions and divisiveness present in our country and our world, we took up a new monthly initiative, Silent Peace Walks, in August 2017.

“The silent peace walk is primarily a way to promote inner peace because that is the foundation for constructive action for justice and peace,” explained Sister Ann Muczynski, a member of BFP Steering Committee.

The Silent Peace Walks last about 30 minutes and are usually held on a weekday evening in Perry Square. They begin and end with a short poem that the group reads together. For the rest of the event, the group walks single file in silence, trying to develop inner peace to share with the community and the world.
Christ is crucified today whenever and wherever hatred, violence and injustice prevail. Since 1980, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Benedictines for Peace members, and others, walk a contemporary Way of the Cross through downtown Erie on Good Friday. We stop along the way for contemporary stations at sites that symbolize the oppression being felt by people today. In recent years, the Stations have had themes including climate change, violence against women, and racism.