Have you heard the news? Excitement is building for the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq, March 15-17 in Washington, DC, with local events springing up across the country. With a worship service at the National Cathedra and a powerful prayer vigil at the White House, some estimate as many as 8,000-10,000 Christians will be present at this event. It is time to say no to torture, no to the war, and yes to nonviolent solutions.
A group of us are meeting via conference call on a regular basis (with our next call tomorrow, February 2nd, at 4pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific) to plan how we, as Lutherans, can be involved in the event. If you are interested in joining us on one of these upcoming calls to add your voice to the discussion, send me an email and I will get you the details on how to join us. Also, if you are interested in travelling to DC for the event but are concerned about funds to get there, we will soon be sending out suggestions on raising funds for this exciting event.
For more details, check out the information below and visit www.ChristianPeaceWitness.org for info on registration (you'll need to register if you want a spot at the Cathedral!), workshops, nonviolent action, and ways you can be a part of this distinctly Christian peace event!
Shalom,
Allyson
Christian Peace Witness for Iraq: March 15-17
How is this different from other peace gatherings?
Unlike so many other peace marches and gatherings in Washington, DC, Christian Peace Witness for Iraq is rooted in worship, with an ecumenical service at the National Cathedral on March 16th at 7pm. The service will be followed by a candlelight procession (not a noisy march!) where walkers will convey the spirit of Christ and the values of compassion, justice, generosity, and nonviolence. The night will end in prayer on the grounds of the White House, with some choosing, as a matter of conscience, to engage in direct action.
Before the service there will be nonviolence trainings and a dozen workshops that afternoon that address the five affirmations that shape our witness together. Leaders will address topics related to torture and the campaign against it, the budget and real security, health care for all citizens, policies on Iraq, what kind of church Christ calls us to be in a time such as this, and other related issues.
To register, visit www.christianpeacewitness.org (Registration is essential for admission to the National Cathedral as it only seats 3,000 people). We have sent out thousands of invitations and need your help to know how many of you plan to come.
How are Lutherans involved?
Lutherans will be involved in every aspect of the event (and have been involved in planning it as well). During the afternoon of March 16, Lutheran Peace Fellowship will lead two workshops, and on Saturday the 17th there will be a gathering of Lutherans at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation near Capitol Hill. A description of the two LPF-led workshops is included below. For more information on Lutherans at CPWI, email Glen Gersmehl at lpf@ecunet.org or myself at lpfyouth@gmail.com.
From the Confessing Church of Bonhoeffer to the Resisting Churches of Today
Leader: Glen Gersmehl, National Coordinator for Lutheran Peace Fellowship
Location: TBA Offered twice: 1:00 and 3:00
"The crisis in US foreign policy has both political and theological dimensions. This workshop will help us clarify our vision and strengthen our organizing by examining several especially powerful responses by Christians to political crises. We'll begin with insights from the Confessing Church in Nazi Germany and the Kairos movements in South Africa and Latin America in the 1980s. Then we'll explore what efforts like KairosAction have to offer to both our theological vision and our effectiveness in reaching out to other Christians."
What Brings Lasting Security? A Lively, Interactive Look at the Federal Budget
Leader: Allyson Fredericksen, Youth Trainer & Program Coordinator for Lutheran Peace Fellowship
Location: TBA Offered twice 1:00 and 3:00
As the war continues in Iraq, just how much of the US budget is being spent on the military and how much for programs that approach security from different assumptions such as UN Peacekeeping, development assistance, or the Peace Corps? LPF's widely-praised Budget Priorities activity offers the numbers, and also explores "What Really Brings Security?" through vivid graphics and engaging activities. Participants can leave with a copy of this dramatic and empowering computer-based activity and a leader's manual to galvanize the debate for youth and adults alike back home.
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