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Seasons of Peacemaking
Completed Events:
Slowing the Rush to War with IraqU.S. religious leaders are leading a "season of peacemaking" to slow the rush to war with Iraq. The National Council of Churches is among organizers of the effort. Following is an archive of already-completed events.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Giving leadership in Washington, D.C., today will be: Bruce Robbins, General Secretary, United Methodist General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Affairs; Jim Winkler, General Secretary, United Methodist General Board of Church and Society; Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches.
8:30 a.m.: Meet for prayer at the National Council of Churches offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from the U.S. Supreme Court. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Individual and group meetings with U.S. Senators and Representatives, Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
2 p.m.: Touch base at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
NCC Associate General Secretary for Public Policy Brenda Girton-Mitchell, will lead advocacy training today (Sept. 23) in Washington, D.C., for the United Methodist Women's Assembly on "All the World's Children," incorporating the issue of Iraqi children. The day's schedule includes visits to Capitol Hill. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
A wide spectrum of ecumenical leaders assert that Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking should be the highest Middle East priority for the U.S. government, and that a war against Iraq would set back, if not destroy, Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. Church leaders will be among participants in the United Nations International Conference of Civil Society in Support of the Palestinian People, with the theme "End the Occupation," September 23-24 at the New York City headquarters of the United Nations. Speakers will include Mr. Fahed Abu-Akel, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A provisional program is available at http://www.un.org/depts/dpa/ngo/calendar.htm The opening session of the Conference is planned to be webcasted live, and the other plenary sessions with a three-hour delay, at http://www.un.org/webcast/ For further information, contact dprngo@un.org
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Giving leadership in Washington, D.C., today will be: John Thomas, President, United Church of Christ; Bernice Powell Jackson, also of the United Church of Christ, and Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches.
7:30 a.m.: Legislative breakfast with Sen. Russ Feingold, sponsored by the United Church of Christ. Focusing on communications issues, with an open question and answer period. Venue: Wyndham Hotel, 14th and M Streets, Washington, D.C. Reservations required; contact wpattillo@ncccusa.org or phone 212-870-2227. The breakfast is part of the agenda of the Sept. 23-24 fall meeting of the NCC Communication Commission.
8:30 a.m.: Meet for prayer at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from the U.S. Supreme Court. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Individual and group meetings with U.S. Senators and Representatives, Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
2 p.m.: Touch base at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
Pax Christi Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Iraq. The United Kingdom chapter of Pax Christi, the International Catholic Movement for Peace, is urging its members, supporters and other Christian communities to pray and fast for peace in Iraq on Tuesday, Sept. 24. This is the date that has been set for the debate in the U.K.'s Parliament on the current crisis with Iraq. Pax Christi also will hold a silent vigil and fast for peace in Parliament Square between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on September 24. Pax Christi also is urging that prayers and fasting for peace with Iraq be made in communities each week -- suggesting that Friday be set aside for this. Click here for more information.
9:45 a.m.: State-level heads of at least three denominations along with Roman Catholic Bishop Peter Rosazza, Director of the Christian Conference of Connecticut, will meet with the staff of Sen. Christopher Dodd in Wethersfield, Conn. A news conference will follow. The group -- to include representatives of the United Church of Christ, American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. and The Episcopal Church -- plans to press Dodd to follow through on his previous statements raising very serious concerns about a unilateral attack on Iraq, and to insist that these concerns be answered rather than voting for a war resolution. The religious leaders will use the occasion to call on all of Connecticut's legislators to heed the same message. For more information, contact: John Humphries, 203-757-4852; jhumphries@igc.org
A wide spectrum of ecumenical leaders assert that Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking should be the highest Middle East priority for the U.S. government, and that a war against Iraq would set back, if not destroy, Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. Church leaders will be among participants in the United Nations International Conference of Civil Society in Support of the Palestinian People, with the theme "End the Occupation," September 23-24 at the New York City headquarters of the United Nations. Speakers will include Mr. Fahed Abu-Akel, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A provisional program is available at http://www.un.org/depts/dpa/ngo/calendar.htm. The opening session of the Conference is planned to be webcasted live, and the other plenary sessions with a three-hour delay, at http://www.un.org/webcast/ For further information, contact dprngo@un.org
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Giving leadership in Washington, D.C., today will be: Bishop C. Christopher Epting, Ecumenical Officer, The Episcopal Church; Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins, Executive Director of the Board of National Ministries, and Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches.
8 - 11 a.m.: More than 100 leading Christian ethicists in America have signed a statement expressing their view that the Bush Administration has not made a compelling moral case for a preemptive war against Iraq. Today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., representative ethicists who signed the declaration will discuss the moral reasons for objecting to impending war. The Press Club is located at 14th and F Streets, next to the J.W.Marriott Hotel. Contact: Shaun Casey, scasey@wesleysem.edu; 202-885-8672.
8:30 a.m.: Meet for prayer at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from the U.S. Supreme Court. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Individual and group meetings with U.S. Senators and Representatives, Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
Catholic leaders will gather in Washington, D.C., today to speak out against a preemptive war on Iraq. They will join others who meet for prayer at 8:30 a.m. at the National Council of Churches Offices (Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E.), then participate in an all-day lobbying effort on Capitol Hill. Their day will conclude with a Prayer Vigil at 6 p.m. at Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue at 13th Street. The lobby day is organized by NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, and Pax Christi, a national Catholic peace movement. For more information, contact Stephanie Niedringhaus, NETWORK Communications Coordinator, 202-547-5556 x 21, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Church World Service Middle East Forum, Conference Room Three, 100 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C. A wide spectrum of ecumenical leaders assert that Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking should be the highest Middle East priority for the U.S. government, and that a war against Iraq would set back, if not destroy, Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. The purpose of the meeting is to develop and launch an ecumenical initiative to end the occupation of Palestine and support a just peace in the Middle East. For more information, contact Mark Brown at marsusab@aol.com; 202-626-7932.
2 p.m.: Touch base at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.: A “Gathering for Peace” will be held at the Rhode Island State House in Providence, R.I. Organized by The Rhode Island State Council of Churches and the Rhode Island Peace Mission, this assembly has been called to urge this nation’s leaders to pursue peaceful, multilateral means in addressing any dangers posed by the present regime in Iraq. The gathering will include speakers from different faith traditions, music, prayers, and action suggestions. Families are welcome. For more information, contact: The Rhode Island Council of Churches, 401-861-1700, or the Rhode Island Peace Mission, 401-724-7700.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Giving leadership in Washington, D.C., today will be: Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches. Rabbi David Saperstein will accompany Bob Edgar along with Thomas Jeavons, General Secretary for the Philadelphia Meeting of Friends, and Peg Chemberlin, Moravian Pastor from Minnesota.
8:30 a.m.: Meet for prayer at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from the U.S. Supreme Court. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Individual and group meetings with U.S. Senators and Representatives, Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
All Day: Church World Service Education and Advocacy for International Justice and Human Rights Committee, 100 Maryland N.E., Washington, D.C. Agenda includes Iraq. Committee meeting continues on Friday, Sept. 26. Contact: NCC Washington Office, 202-544-2350.
10:00 a.m.: Meeting with Congressmen Dennis J. Kucinich and other peace and religious groups.
11:00 a.m.: Senator Levin’s office.
1:30 p.m.: Senator Daschle’s Foreign Policy aide, Denis Mc Donough, office in the Capitol S 221.
2 p.m.: Phyllis Hubbell (Minister, First Unitarian Church of Baltimore) arrives with a van full of advocates.
2 p.m.: Touch base at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
2:30 p.m.: Bob Edgar speaks to a group of Methodist lay leaders at the United Methodist building in Conference Rooms 1 and 2.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Giving leadership in Washington, D.C., today will be: Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches; Richard Hamm, General Minister and President of Disciples of Christ. John H. Rice, Presbyterian clergyperson, Peg Chemberlin, Moravian Pastor from Minnesota.
8:30 a.m.: Meet for prayer at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from the U.S. Supreme Court. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Individual and group meetings with U.S. Senators and Representatives, Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: CWS Education and Advocacy for International Justice and Human Rights Committee, 100 Maryland N.E., Washington, D.C. Agenda includes Iraq. Committee meeting continues from Thursday, September 26. Contact: NCC Washington Office, 202-544-2350.
12:30 p.m. National Press Club Luncheon POSTPONED: Citing police predictions of major traffic disruptions in downtown Washington because of demonstrations preceding the International Monetary Fund meetings, the National Press Club has postponed this week's luncheons, including the address by National Council of Churches General Secretary Bob Edgar, which had been scheduled for today (Friday). Dr. Edgar's appearance will be rescheduled for a later date. Contact: news@ncccusa.org
2 p.m.: Touch base at the National Council of Churches Offices, Suite 108, 110 Maryland Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C. Contact: bgirtonm@ncccusa.org
7 to 9 p.m.: Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Va. Conference "The Role of Faith in the Middle East Crisis: Is Non-Violence a Way to Peace?" Conference continues Saturday, Sept. 28. For full schedule, see the Web sites of the sponsoring churches: www.edow.org/peace, www.metrodcelca.org and www.thediocese.net. For further information, contact Harry Yeide, 202-994-3967; Canon John Frizzel, 703-671-7610, or Phil Anderson, 202-548-0434. Registrations may be sent to Commission on Peace, Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Mount St. Alban, Washington, D.C., or by e-mail to philwdc@aol.com or fax to 202-548-0435.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m: Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Va. Conference "The Role of Faith in the Middle East Crisis: Is Non-Violence a Way to Peace?" Conference continues from Friday, September 27. For full schedule, see the Web sites of the sponsoring churches: www.edow.org/peace, www.metrodcelca.org and www.thediocese.net. For further information, contact Harry Yeide, 202-994-3967; Canon John Frizzel, 703-671-7610, or Phil Anderson, 202-548-0434. Registrations may be sent to Commission on Peace, Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Mount St. Alban, Washington, D.C., or by e-mail to philwdc@aol.com or fax to 202-548-0435.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
2 p.m.: "Don't Bomb Iraq: Non-Violent March Against the War on Iraq." Gather at Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. "Embassy March" to VP Cheney's residence. Click here for more information: www.endthewar.org/default-new.htm
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 -- National Day of Prayer and Faxing
Plan to phone or write President Bush and to phone, fax or visit your local Congressional offices TODAY. Urge the President and your Senators and Representatives to resist unilateral military action against Iraq for the sole purpose of overthrowing the regime of Saddam Hussein. Urge them to support efforts to implement United Nations resolutions on weapons inspections and military sanctions rather than the use of force to address the problem. For a sample letter, see: http://www.cmep.org/letters/2002Sep12_BushReIraq.htm
8 a.m. - 8 p.m.: Emergency Congressional Education Day/Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC) Lobby Day. Lobby training 8 a.m., 100 Maryland Ave. N.E. 9 a.m. briefing on Iraq and Congressional strategy. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Congressional meetings. 6-8 p.m. debriefing dinner. Registration required. Contact EPIC at 202-543-6176 or e-mail jnader@igc.org
10 a.m. - Noon: Discussion of Just War and U.S. Stance on Iraq, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 1779 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. Four scholars who subscribe to the notion that war is sometimes morally justified will seek to apply the universal principles of "just war" to what is arguably today's most urgent public question: Should the U.S. use military action against Iraq? The idea of "just war" is broadly based, with roots in many of the world’s diverse religious traditions. Jewish, Christian and Muslim teachings, for example, all contain serious reflections on the definition of just war. Sponsored by the Institute for American Values, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, and the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy. More Information/RSVP to Mary Schwarz, Institute for American Values, 212-246-3942; info@americanvalues.org
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Clergy Leaders from the Progressive Religious Partnership will be meeting with up to 20 Senators. The meeting will be co-hosted by Sens. Daschle and Boxer in Sen. Daschle's office. They will lead with the Iraq question. For more information, contact Peter Laarman at plaarman@judson.org
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: National Call-In Day. Encourage grassroots to call their Representative, Senators and the President.
Noon: Planning meeting organized by Ned Stowe at the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), 245 Second St. N.E., Washington, D.C. Contact: 202-547-6000; Visit: www.fcnl.org
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
Iraq Pledge of Resistance will hold a national press conference outside the U.S. Senate to launch the campaign to the media. Contact Gordon Clark at pledgecoordinator@starpower.net or go to www.peacepledge.org or to http://epic-usa.org/action/
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, through THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
U.S. Speaking Tour by Jean Zaru, Presiding Clerk of the Ramallah Friends Meeting in Palestine, and Kathy Bergen, national coordinator of the Middle East Section of the Peacebuilding Unit, American Friends Service Committee. Ms. Zaru's topic is "Hope in the Midst of Suffering;" Ms. Bergen's, "Responding to the Crisis: What Can We Do?" For more information, e-mail Kathy Bergen at KBergen@afsc.orgWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
Lobby Day to Oppose War on Iraq, co-sponsored by NETWORK (a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby), Leadership Conference of Women Religious and Pax Christi USA. Participants are asked to make their own appointments with their members of Congress (call the Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121), then come to the United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave. N.E., Room #3, where NETWORK will provide packets for lobby visits and answer any questions. Concurrent with the visits, and as members of Congress are debating, a vigil will be held all day near the House and Senate office buildings. The day will conclude with a 6 p.m. "Evening Prayer Vigil for Peace" at Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue at 13th Street. If you are coming to Washington, D.C., for the Lobby Day, please RSVP to NETWORK at 202-547-5556 x 12. For more information, see www.networklobby.org
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Noon luncheon news conference opposing a U.S.-led preemptive strike against Iraq, featuring speakers from many U.S. sectors. Venue: First Amendment Room, National Press Club, 14th and “F” Streets, Washington, D.C. Speakers and attendees will include leading members of religious, labor, academic, business and minority communities; former military leaders; activists from the women’s and student movements, and family members of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Contacts: Martha Honey, Erik Leaver or Miriam Pemberton, Foreign Policy in Focus, 202-234-9382, and Chris Toensing, Middle East Research and Information Project, 202-223-3677. Click here for more information.
6:30 p.m. - Prayer vigil of concern about the apparent U.S. rush to war with Iraq. Venue: United Methodist Building Lawn, First and Maryland Avenues, Washington, D.C. Leaders will include the Rev. Dr. Robert W. Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches; Jim Wallis, Executive Director, Sojourners; Jim Winkler, Executive Director, United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society, and Linda Fuller, Co-Founder, Habitat for Humanity. Program 7-8 p.m. will move inside the building if it’s raining. Contacts: Communication Department, National Council of Churches, 212-870-2252/2227.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
10:30 a.m. - Noon - Citizen’s Hearing on the Possibility of War with Iraq. Venue: Rayburn House Office Building 2360, Washington, D.C. The Hon. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.) presiding. The hearing has been called by Rep. Davis, the National Council of Churches, the Center on Conscience and War, EPIC (Education for Peace in Iraq Center), the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the United Methodist Church, Pax Christi, the Church of the Brethren Washington, D.C., Office, and others. Contact: J.E. McNeil, Center on Conscience and War, 202-483-2220, or Communication Department, National Council of Churches, 212-870-2252/2227. Click here for more information.
9 a.m. -- News Conference "Not a Just War: American and British Church Leaders Join to Oppose War in Iraq." Venue: National Press Club, The Murrow Room, 529 14th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. More than 50 church leaders from the United States and United Kingdom will release a statement challenging a possible war against Iraq as "illegal, immoral and unwise." U.S. signers include the heads of major Protestant denominations, Catholic women's and men's orders, and prominent Evangelicals. U.K. signers include Bishops of the Church of England, the heads of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Church of Scotland, along with the Baptist Union of the U.K. The statement notes that “Saddam Hussein and his regime are a real threat to his own people, neighboring countries, and the world,” and that “Iraq must be disarmed of weapons of mass destruction,” but urges President Bush and Prime Minister Blair to diligently pursue means other than war. Featured Speakers: Bishop Peter Price, Church of England, Bishop of Bath and Wells; Bishop John Bryson Chane, Episcopal Diocese of Washington; Rev. Bob Edgar, general secretary, National Council of Churches; Sr. Carole Shinnick, SSND, executive director, Leadership Conference of Women Religious; Rev. Jim Wallis, executive director, Sojourners. Contacts: Duane Shank, Sojourners, 202-328-8842 x226; Trevor FitzGibbon, Iraq Policy Information Project, 202-246-5303.
9 p.m. -- "NOW with Bill Moyers" will examine public arguments against going to war, being made by a number of community-based groups including the National Council of Churches, Veterans for Peace, Voices in the Wilderness, and Black Voices for Peace. In a thoughtful and measured documentary segment, NOW will illuminate the issues on the minds of these groups' leaders: the impact of the war on the black community, the possibility of continuing sanctions, the human tragedy at stake, and the high financial cost of war with so many ongoing domestic problems. A NOW crew spent the day with NCC General Secretary Bob Edgar in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26 for this segment. Airs 9 p.m. (Eastern) in New York and many other markets. Check local listings at www.pbs.org/now/sched.html and join the post-broadcast discussion online at www.pbs.org/now or by sending your comments to now@pbs.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
National March on Washington, D.C. For more information: www.internationalanswer.org or call 212-633-6646 in New York or 202-332-5757 in Washington, D.C.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
PRAYER VIGIL: Prayer Vigil at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC beginning at 12:00 noon with candle lighting ceremony at dusk. To volunteer of for more information call (301) 572-5613.
November 4
November 4 - Dr. Helen Caldicott on New Nuclear Dangers and the Administration's March Toward Catastrophic War
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Dr. Helen Caldicott, renowned antinuclear activist, appears at Penn Law School Auditorium, Samson at 34th St., at 7:30 p.m. on New Nuclear Dangers and the Administration's march toward catastrophic war. Members of the Philadelphia-area religious community have been invited to participate. Co-sponsored by White Dog Cafe, BLSP and Physicians for Social Responsibility. Info: BLSP, 215-288-9808, or White Dog Cafe, 215-386-9224. Suggested $10 donation.
November 10
November 10 – DISCERNMENT SUNDAY
v “Day of Discernment” is a Sunday of peace for prayer, fasting, and discernment. The Mennonite Central Committee has developed this project. The link for more information is http://peace.mennolink.org. This could be an opportunity to begin educating local churches and to direct them to events that are being planned.
November 11
November 11 – VETERAN’S DAY. "Honor Veterans by Opposing War"
v November 11: Global Exchange is urging a variety of action for Veteran's Day. Their website is http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/iraq/. Their website includes helpful resources, e.g. “Ten things you can do to stop the war on Iraq.” For more information, contact Kristi Laughlin at 415-255-7291.
Suggestions for events: This will be a day for chaplains to speak out. Global Exchange suggests that religious leaders take leadership and sow seeds for a new movement, "Honor Veterans by Opposing War," to include teach-ins, reflections and civil disobedience.
November 13
Being Pastoral and Prophetic - The Clergy Challenge in a Time of War; New Hampshire Clergy Converse with Rev. William Sloane Coffin. First Congregational Church, 508 Union Street, Manchester, N.H. 1:00 - 3:00 PM November 13, 2002. NH Clergy have an especially difficult time balancing denominational statements that challenge war versus the need to be pastoral to family members being put in harms way. How does one find reliable sources of information? How do you engage your people in education, preaching and actions in a time of war? All clergy are welcome to come, be heard with respect, and find ways to discern God’s will for your own religious and political response. This informal conversation among clergy facilitated by NH Council of Churches and NH Conference - United Church of Christ Commission for Witness and Action. No cost. Simply notify the NH Council of Churches that you plan to attend. RSVP to: 603-224-1352; fax 603-224-5959; churches@nhchurches.org. Web site: www.nhchurches.org
Being a Faithful Witness for Peace - The Challenge of the Laity in a Time of War; An Informal Conversation with Rev. William Sloane Coffin. First Congregational Church, 508 Union Street, Manchester, N.H. 3:00 - 5:00 PM November 13, 2002. Laity and clergy discuss living the Christian beatitudes responsibly in these times. The 3 PM conversation is a general conversation among those among clergy and laity present. What can laity do to educate themselves, form their consciences, and take faithful action in a time of war? How can laity join together to be most effective in NH communities? Facilitated by the NH Council of Churches and the NH Conference - United Church of Christ Commission for Witness and Action. No cost. Simply notify the NH Council of Churches that you plan to attend. RSVP to: 603-224-1352; fax 603-224-5959; churches@nhchurches.org. Web site: www.nhchurches.org
Both conversations precede the Christian Unity Dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the Center of New Hampshire - Holiday Inn, Elm Street, Manchester. Sponsored by the NH Council of Churches. Rev. William Sloane Coffin speaker. Registration required. Cost $20.00 per person. RSVP to: 603-224-1352; fax 603-224-5959; churches@nhchurches.org. Web site: www.nhchurches.org
December 9-10
For the Record – Evaluation of December 9 and 10, 2002, Peace Event in New York:
New York’s Interfaith Peace Events Judged Successful
The Dec. 9-10 peace events in New York, organized by the NYC Forum of Concerned Religious Leaders and supported by the National Council of Churches, the Progressive Religious Partnership, Pax Christi USA, and numerous other groups, succeeded in achieved the planners’ principal objectives. The base of faith-based resistance to the Administration’s Iraq policy was significantly broadened in New York City, the movement was energized, and much-needed space was created for more moderate opposition to begin to emerge in religious communities and elsewhere.
Approximately 500 persons, most of them representing religious communities, turned out at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day, to affirm “A Sacred Right: To Leave in Peace.” Participants included such luminaries from the anti-Vietnam War struggle as Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Rabbi Balfour Brickner, Bishop Paul Moore, Jr., the Rev. Herbert Daughtry, author/activist Dan Ellsberg, War Resisters’ legend David McReynolds, and others. But there were also many, many “first time” demonstrators from the colleges and seminaries. Just under $3,500 was collected at the gathering for the purchase of medicine for Iraqi children, and several cartons of food for distribution to hungry New York families via the Community Food Resource Center.
The previous night, some 200 people heard Phyllis Bennis, a foreign policy expert, and Rev. James Lawson, “godfather” of nonviolent resistance in the U.S., offer inspiration and important background information at the Church Center for the U.N.
During the interfaith ritual forming the heart of the gathering, statements from Universal Declaration of Human Rights were interspersed with readings from the sacred scriptures of different religious traditions. The entitlement of all to certain fundamental rights were—food, shelter, adequate health care—were mimed by human puppets dressed as Iraqi mothers.
Following the interfaith gathering, more people than expected—107 in total—committed nonviolent civil disobedience directly in front of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations as the remainder of the crowd cheered the group on.
Although press coverage was extensive (CNN, CBS, New York One, AP, Reuters, BBC, MSNBC, etc.), much of the reporting was superficial. The New York Times and Salon.com, however, treated the action in the context of growing and more mainstream groundswell of support for a peaceful resolution of Iraq situation. The Times story emphasized antiwar actions cropping up in unexpected places—outside of New York, Washington, San Francisco, etc.—and noted that religious opposition is building.
The Forum of Concerned Religious Leaders will now focus on the period around the actual birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., as the next big “window” for visible interfaith activity against the Iraq policy.
December 11
Wed Dec 11, 10:30 a.m. JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. (DC) - WIN WITHOUT WAR PRESS CONFERENCE.
Leaders of major civic and faith organizations will gather in the nation's capital Dec. 11 to announce the creation of a new coalition in support of a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the crisis in Iraq. The new group, Win Without War, represents millions of Americans and seeks to prevent bloodshed and loss of life on all sides by slowing the Bush Administration's apparent rush to war so that U.N. Arms Inspectors have time to carry out their mission. Win Without War leaders believe that security for Americans and our allies abroad can be achieved through aggressive inspections and sustained monitoring. They will pledge to continue and intensify the protests that begin next week in dozens of cities for as long as the Bush Administration presses for invasion of Iraq.
WHAT: WIN WITHOUT WAR Press Conference
WHO: Rev. Bob Edgar, National Council of Churches General Secretary; Julian Bond, NAACP Chairman of the Board; Terry O'Neill, NOW Vice President for Membership; Larry Fahn, Sierra Club Vice President for Conservation; Melissa Daar, Working Assets State Political Manager; Eli Pariser, MoveOn.com International Campaigns Director.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002
WHERE: J.W. Marriott Hotel, Russell Hart Room
13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
[9] Wed Dec. 11, 12:00 noon - Worship Service, at the Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, sponsored by the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church. For more information, please contact Jim Winkler, General Secretary General Board of Church and Society, jwinkler@umc-gbcs.org or 1-202-488-5620 (w).
[10] Wed Dec 11, 1:30 TO 6:30 p.m.- Metropolitan AME Church (DC) Progressive Religious Partnership Meeting
•The Progressive Religious Partnership (PRP) would like to gather leaders from a number of religious organizations that are capable of collaboration in ideas, strategy and actions in stopping the Iraq War. They are meeting in Washington DC on December 11, 2002, from 1:30 to 6:30 pm at Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M Street NW. These are the organizations being asking to attend:
Interfaith Alliance - Welton Gaddy
People for American Way/African American Churches - Ralph Neas & TimMcDonald
Sojourners - Jim Wallis
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights - Carlton Veazey
Islamic Society of North America - Nazir Khaja
Muslim Public Affairs Council - Maher Hathout
Pax Christi - Jean Stokan
National Council of Churches - Brenda Girton-Mitchell for Bob Edgar
Americans United for Separation of Church and State - Barry Lynn
National Catholic Bishops - Tom Gumbleton
Catholics Speak Out - Maureen Fiedler
Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual - Mary Hunt
International Network for the Rights of Female Victims - Riffat Hassan
Shalom Center - Arthur Waskow
Tikkun - Michael Lerner
Central Committee for American Rabbis - Paul Menitoff
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism - David Saperstein
For more information, please contact Rev. George Regas at regas@pacbell.net or 626-683-9400.
December 31
Tuesday, December 31 -- VIGIL FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE
COME TO AN INSPIRING EVENING OF SONG, PROPHETIC READINGS, AND PRAYER. CALL JIM WHITE AT 1-888-748-7224 to help plan or for information
RELATED PAGES
Seasons of Peacemaking Vision Statement
Current and Upcoming Events
Index to Resources for Advocacy on Iraq
Write President Bush and Your Members of Congress