Pax Christi
Many organisations that made a significant social impact in the 20th century now face the same question: how can they remain relevant today? Pax Christi was one of them. With guidance from Koenraad, Peter, Marianne and Aurélie, the organisation underwent a profound transformation.
The client
Founded in France in 1945, just after the Second World War, Pax Christi began as a Catholic peace movement working for peace, human rights and reconciliation. Today, it is active in more than 60 countries. In Belgium, the organisation played a central role in the movement against nuclear weapons. On 23 October 1983, it helped mobilise 400,000 people in Brussels for the largest demonstration in Belgian history. Pax Christi later helped make Belgium the first country in the world to introduce a comprehensive ban on the production, trade and use of anti-personnel mines.
The question
Pax Christi came to us at a time of profound uncertainty. The organisation was at risk of losing its core funding. It needed a new strategy, translated into a strategic plan that would make a convincing case to the public authorities. A major reorganisation and operational changes also called for crisis management and close support to help the team through this difficult period.
The impact
We brought together a change team to tackle the issues the government had identified as critical to retaining Pax Christi’s funding. The focus was simple: turn decisions into action. Pax Christi developed new activities and made major advances in how it communicated externally—across its language, content and reach.
Working with the board and director, we drew up a reorganisation plan that kept overheads low and directed as much funding as possible towards Pax Christi’s core work as a movement. We also reviewed how paid staff and volunteers worked together. This led to clearer roles and new job descriptions across the team.
At the same time, we developed a new strategic plan and showed the public authorities that Pax Christi had genuinely changed direction. The funding was secured. The result was a renewed team with fresh energy.
The challenge
Inertia. Sometimes an organisation becomes so overwhelmed by problems that chaos takes over and no one knows what to tackle first. Together, we restored focus and turned towards the future. We worked through the tension between team members who welcomed far-reaching change and those who resisted it or considered giving up. Everyone had to step beyond their comfort zone. Strong support from both the leadership and the team was essential.
“Pax Christi is an exceptionally warm organisation, where connection, justice and care for every individual come first. It was an honour to become part of its rich history. I’m proud that the transformation succeeded—and that the wider world can now see it too.
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The collaboration
Pax Christi opened itself to support at its most vulnerable moment. We joined its fight for survival as though we were part of the organisation ourselves. Our collaboration was intense and lasted 18 months. Today, we are proud to see Pax Christi firmly back on the map—stronger than ever, with a mission that has, unfortunately, become acutely relevant again, including close to home.
Take action.
Choose connection—wholeheartedly.
Lessons from the journey — Annemarie Gielen, then Director of Pax Christi Vlaanderen
- S&L combined a hands-on approach with a clear framework. That balance showed us what the organisation could become while giving us practical guidance and support along the way.
- Our crisis had reached the point where external support was essential. The lesson is simple: do not be afraid to ask for help—and be open to receiving it.
- Stay true to your values, mission and vision. Be critical of proposals others put forward, but apply the same critical eye to your own ways of working. Keep the dialogue open. It helps you understand your own position and make better decisions.
“The threat of losing all of Pax Christi’s funding was the most serious professional crisis I have ever faced. As Director, you are responsible first and foremost for your colleagues. But you are also responsible for the future of a remarkable movement—for honouring the work of those who came before you and the immense commitment of its volunteers and donors. It felt as though the ground had disappeared beneath my feet. I knew we could only avert the threat with outside support.
"I am deeply grateful that I crossed paths with Peter at S&L. That meeting marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, with Koenraad by my side throughout. Marianne and Aurélie also did outstanding work. Pax Christi is back—a vibrant movement with renewed energy and determination.”
Annemarie Gielen
Then Director, Pax Christi Vlaanderen
Pax Christi had support of these team members
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