Jonah House is a faith-based community/commune in Baltimore, Maryland (USA) centered on the concept of "Nonviolence, resistance and community". It was founded in 1973 by a group that included Philip Berrigan (one of the Catonsville Nine), then a Catholic priest, and Elizabeth McAlister, formerly a Catholic nun. [1] Jonah House is located on the grounds of St. Peter's Cemetery in West Baltimore south of Coppin Heights. [2] The 22-acre (89,000 m2) cemetery was largely abandoned and overgrown, the community has devoted itself to restoring and maintaining it.
Jonah House has been specifically regarded as a prime example of a Catholic Worker House of Resistance.
The community’s papers are held at the TriCollege Libraries. [3]
Much of the non-violent resistance direct actions undertaken by Jonah House have taken the form of Plowshares actions. [4] Additionally non-violence is practiced in the community both as a way of thought and action. Education of the injustice present in violence is contemplated.
Jonah House donates food and clothes to persons in need. [5]
Jonah House is part of a network of individuals and communities along the east coast that calls itself "The Atlantic Life Community". [4]
The Pacific Life Community is a similar organization encompassing the west coast of the United States of America, Pacific Islands and East Asia.
Jonah House is also a sister community with Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House (in D.C) Viva House Catholic Worker, and The P. Francis Murphy Justice/Peace Initiative.