Hunger Strike to End War

Friends,

Please visit http://www.troopshomefast.org to find out how you can support this hunger strike to stop the war in Iraq.  (You're invited to participate in a "rolling fast" in your area, at a public or congressional office.)

peace & grace,
~Matt


Hunger Strike Set to End War

truthout -- June 27, 2006

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/062706G.shtml

Cindy Sheehan, Dick Gregory, Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn
and Hundreds More Launch Hunger Strike to End the Iraq
War

On July 3, 2006, CODEPINK: Women for Peace, Global
Exchange and Gold Star Families for Peace will announce
a historic hunger strike against the war in Iraq. At
5pm, they will sit down in front of the White House to
eat their last meal and hold a press conference before
beginning the fast at the same location in the morning
of July 4 at 10am.

We've marched, held vigils, lobbied Congress, camped
out at Bush's ranch. We've even gone to jail. Now it's
time to do more, says peace mom Cindy Sheehan. While
others are celebrating July 4th with barbeques, we'll
be showing our patriotism by putting our bodies on the
line to bring our troops home.

Hundreds of celebrities, veterans, mothers, and
concerned citizens across the country will participate
in a rolling fast. Strikers include musicians Willie
Nelson and Michael Franti, actors Danny Glover, Sean
Penn and Susan Sarandon, Gold Star parents Cindy
Sheehan and Fernando Suarez, legendary faster and
comedian Dick Gregory, environmental activist Diane
Wilson, Iraq war veteran Geoffrey Millard and Gulf War
vet Michael McPherson, labor leader Dolores Huerta and
CODEPINK cofounders Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans and
Gael Murphy.

The organizers call on a long history of fasts for
political purposes, claiming their place among the
Suffragettes, Mahatma Gandhi and Cesar Chavez. In
honor of this rich history, the fasters will gather at
the Gandhi memorial statue at Massachusetts and 21st NW
on July 3 at 3pm, then march to Pennsylvania Avenue for
the meal and press conference at 5pm. In other parts of
the country, people will engage in rolling fasts,
passing the fast from person to person every 24 hours.

Diane Wilson, who has engaged in several hunger strikes
in her history as an environmental activist, says she
will not set an end date to her fast. "My goal is to
bring the troops home. I don't know how long I can
fast, but I'm making this open- ended," she says. "I plan
to take this as far as I've ever taken anything in my
58 years. I fear our future is at stake, and I'm ready
to make a major sacrifice."

The fast will last until September 21, International
Peace Day, when activists around the country will
initiate a week of nonviolent actions against the war
as part of the Declaration of Peace.

--------

For more information, including a full list of fasters,
please see www.troopshomefast.org.

========

FASTers who has signed up to observe a FAST,
either in D.C. or in their hometown

Cindy Sheehan
Dick Gregory
Willie Nelson
Alice Walker
Sean Penn
Danny Glover
Dolores Huerta
Susan Sarandon
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
British MP George Galloway
Michael Franti
Eve Ensler
Howard Zinn, Author
Greg Palast, Author
Diane Wilson, environmentalist/author
Medea Benjamin, Gael Murphy, Jodie Evans, & Tiffany Burns, CODEPINK
Vandana Shiva, environmentalist
Rev. Bob Edgar, National Council of Churches
Rev. Joan Campbell
Arun Gandhi, President, Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence
Rev. Graylan Hagler, Plymouth Congregational Church
Marianne Williamson, author
Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon whistleblower
Paul Hawkins, author
Jim Hightower, author
Rev. Noemi Mena, Hispanic Ministries
Rev. Tony Campolo
Pratap Chatterjee, CorpWatch
Lt. Ehren Watada, Iraq war resister
Ann Wright, colonel and former US diplomat
Kim Gandy, National Organization for Women
Olga Vives, Executive Vice President, NOW
Ray McGovern, former CIA Analyst
Samina Faheem, American Muslim Voice
Dr. E. Faye Williams, National Congress of Black Women
Laura Flanders, Air America talk show host
Gabby Hoffman, Actress
Peter Yarrow, singer/songwriter, Peter, Paul and Mary
Michael Berg, Father of Nicolas Berg, who was killed in Iraq
Rev. Lennox Yearwood
Fr. Louie Vitale, Franciscan priest
Miyumi Ota, artist
Fernando Suarez del Solar, Guerrerro Azteca
Michael McPherson, Veterans for Peace
Geoffrey Millard, Iraq Veterans Against the War
Dede Miller, Gold Star Families for Peace
Karen Dolan, Cities for Progress
John Cavanagh, Marcus Raskin, Phyllis Bennis -
Institute for Policy Studies
Brian Willson, Vietnam Vet
Andy Shallal, Iraqi Americans for Peaceful Alternatives
Jeff Adachi, San Francisco Public Defender
Renee Saucedo, Immigrant Rights Lawyer
Francisco Herrera, singer/songwriter
Will Durst, Political comic, talk show host
Kevin Zeese, U.S. Senate candidate, Maryland
Raed Jarrar, Iraqi analyst, Global Exchange
Paul Kangas - Veterans for Peace

List of Long-Term FASTERs:

Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon whistleblower
Diane Wilson, environmental activist
Dick Gregory, comedian/civil rights activist
Cindy Sheehan, Gold Star Families for Peace
Jodie Evans, CODEPINK co-founder
Medea Benjamin, Global Exchange and CODEPINK co-founder
Father Louie Vitale, Franciscan priest
Dede Miller, Gold Star Families for Peace
Ann Wright, Colonel and former US Diplomat
Tiffany Burns, CODEPINK
Fernando Suarez, Guerrero Azteca and Gold Star Families
Gael Murphy, CODEPINK co-founder
Geoffrey Millard, Iraq Veterans Against the War
Raed Jarrar, Iraqi analyst, Global Exchange

Organizations Supporting the FAST:

CODEPINK: Women for Peace
Gold Star Families for Peace
American Muslim Voice
Cities for Progress
Granny Peace Brigade
Liberty Tree - Foundation for the Democratic Revolution
National Congress of Black Women
Iraq Task Force, Institute for Policy Studies
Progressive Democrats of America
Raging Grannies
September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
Women of Color Resource Center
Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press

US Army 1st Lt refuses Iraq deployment

Lt. Watada refused Iraq deployment today; Under complete restriction and gag-order without charge

source: http://www.thankyoult.org/

BREAKING NEWS - Fort Lewis, Washington (June 22, 2006) - U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ehren K. Watada reported to duty at 2:00 a.m. early this morning and refused orders to move to the adjacent McChord Air Force Base to prepare to fly to Iraq. Lt. Watada believes that the war and occupation in Iraq are illegal, and thus participation in the war is also illegal. At this time he has been restricted to base and has been ordered to have no communication with non-military personnel.

Lt. Watada�s attorney Eric Seitz said, �This morning Lt. Watada has been restricted to base without any actual charges or proper process. By placing a complete gag order on Lt. Watada, the military has again shown that their first concern is silencing Lt. Watada's speech in opposition to the illegal war in Iraq. We will immediately challenge these highly questionable and improper restrictions." Mr. Seitz is currently the only non-military person authorized to have any contact with Lt. Watada.

Lt. Watada is the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to the war in Iraq.  By refusing to participate in the on-going Iraq war and occupation, Lt. Watada joins a growing number of high ranking military officers, West Point graduates, and current and former members of the armed services who have expressed their opposition to the actions of the United States in Iraq. Lieutenant Watada�s refusal comes in the wake of a series of charges and convictions against lower ranking soldiers for participation in war-related crimes: 9 Marines charged with premeditated murder yesterday, charges of a massacre in Haditha, Iraq and convictions at Abu Ghraib Prison.

Lt. Watada faces possible court-martial charges for refusing to participate in the Iraq war and occupation and intends to defend himself based on the illegality of the Iraq war and occupation. Lt. Watada, age 28, was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii where he enlisted in the Army and was obligated to serve on active duty as an Army officer for a term of three years concluding on December 3, 2006.  Lt. Watada was stationed at Ft. Lewis in January 2006, when he first asked to resign his commission because as he stated, "I am whole-heartedly opposed to the continued war in Iraq, the deception used to wage this war, and the lawlessness that has pervaded every aspect of our civilian leadership."

On June 27, a national day of action in support of Lt. Watada and coordinated through the website www.ThankYouLt.org will take place in dozens of US cities, including: Ft. Lewis, WA; Tacoma, WA; Honolulu, HI; Charlotte, NC; Cleveland, OH; Harrisburg, PA; San Francisco, CA; Oklahoma City, OK; Atlanta, GA; Corvallis, OR; Medford, OR; New York City, NY; and Pittsburgh, PA.

Lt. Watada�s mother, Carolyn Ho, who flew in from Honolulu, Hawaii to support her son, said today, �My son�s decision to refrain from deploying to Iraq comes through much soul searching.  It is an act of patriotism. It is a statement to all Americans, to men and women in uniform, that they need not remain silent out of fear, that that they have the power to turn the tide of history: to stop the destruction of a country and the killing of untold numbers of innocent men, women, and children.  It is a message that states unequivocally that blindly following orders is no longer an option.  My son, Lt. Watada�s stance is clear.  He will stay the course. I urge you to join him in this effort.�

Judy Linehan, of Military Families Speak Out said, �As the mother of an officer who deployed to Iraq with Lt Ehren Watada�s Stryker Brigade in their first mission, I know the human cost of war intimately. I stand in solidarity with Lt Watada as he breaks ranks with a Commander-in-Chief who has flouted international law with impunity in the prosecution of this illegal war and occupation of an unarmed country.  The lieutenant�s quiet resolve and quest for truth facing into our government�s fabricated deceptions carry hope to a world that trusts in the rule of law.  Thank you, Lt Watada, for your courageous stand.�

http://www.thankyoult.org/

Church criticizes National Day of Prayer in Zimbabwe

Dear friends,

What happens when the church speaks out about the government's co-optation of religious leadership? 

Might we be labeled "agents of violence and purveyors of falsehood," like the church in Zimbabwe?

I guess we'll find out -- when we speak up.

~Matt


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5110450.stm

Mugabe anger at church criticism
 
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has condemned some churches as "agents of violence and purveyors of falsehood".

Mr Mugabe made his remarks after church leaders called for a boycott of a national day of prayer on Sunday, which the president was planning to attend.

He also warned the opposition Movement for Democratic Change that it was dicing with death if it went ahead with a planned wave of street protests.

Zimbabwe is suffering a deep economic crisis, with inflation at over 1,000%.

Speaking during a passing-out parade for police recruits on Thursday, Mr Mugabe sent a warning to those "who claim to be champions of democracy while, in fact, they are willing conduits of violence", the state-run Herald newspaper reported.

"The agents of violence and purveyors of falsehoods about the country, who regrettably have included a few churches and civil groups, should be warned that the long arm of the law will not allow them to disrupt business and disturb the rights of individuals who seek an honest living in our society," Mr Mugabe said.

Boycott call

The Catholic Archbishop of Bulawayo, Pius Ncube, is among church leaders who have called for a boycott of a national day of prayer planned for Sunday, after it emerged that Mr Mugabe is planning to take part.

Mr Mugabe's latest warning is similar to remarks he made in April, as the country marked its independence anniversary.

His threats have come at a time when the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic change, has been weakened by an internal split.

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has called for mass protests against Mr Mugabe's government.

The opposition and donors say Mr Mugabe has ruined what used to be one of Africa's most developed economies.

He says the economic problems are the result of a Western plot by those opposed to his seizure of white-owned farms.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5110450.stm

South Dakota: Protecting Bear Butte

CPTnet
19 June 2006

SOUTH DAKOTA: Protecting Bear Butte

From 3 July  - 15 August 2006 CPT will place a small team at Bear Butte,
South  Dakota, at the invitation of an Intertribal Coalition involving thirty
local tribes-- including all of the Lakota tribes with whom CPT worked in
1999 near Pierre, SD.  The Coalition has organized a  six-week encampment to
resist nonviolently continued development and encroachment on territory they
consider sacred. Every year, thousands of Native people travel to pray at
Bear Butte, located near Sturgis, SD in the Black Hills.

The final week of the encampment, 7-13 August will coincide with the 66th
annual Sturgis motorcycle rally which brings 500,000 bikers to the area,
creating an enormous impact on the surrounding economy and ecosystem.
Recently, developer Jay Allen broke ground for a massive new biker bar and
concert venue called the "Sturgis County Line" on 600 acres at the base of
Bear Butte.

Tribal groups strongly opposed to this development are organizing a campaign
of nonviolent direct action to stop it from proceeding. They have asked CPT
to assist with planning actions and to be on hand to help reduce tensions
and document abuses if violence is threatened.

Related websites:

Statement from Intertribal Coalition: www.honorearth.com/media/worddocs/whatsnew/bearbutte.doc

www.defendbearbutte.org

www.bringbacktheway.com

The Right of Resistance

Brothers, sisters, comrades, friends,

Here are two snippets from Jack Duvall's May 11, 2006, speech, "The Right of Resistance," given at the California Institute of Technology. His words really stir the blood! Mine, at least. Thanks to George Lakey of Training for Change for the recommendation.
You can read the entire paper (8pp) online at
http://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/PDF/TheRightOfResistance.pdf

Duvall is president of the International Center for Nonviolent Conflict, www.nonviolent-conflict.org.
Check them out!

How does ICNC's take on "strategic nonviolent conflict" square with your own philosophies and practices?

love in resistance,
Matt Guynn
On Earth Peace


The Right of Resistance
The Legitimacy and Support of Nonviolent Civic Force
http://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/PDF/TheRightOfResistance.pdf

Remarks by Jack DuVall - May 11, 2006
Social Activism Speaker Series, California Institute of Technology


“Never Yield Submission”

Eleven days ago, as a quarter-million immigrants demonstrated in downtown Los Angeles to dramatize the value to the American economy of undocumented workers, a 54-year old Guatemalan house painter stood and watched. “This is America,” he said to a reporter. “This is the first time in my life I have seen something like this. This is why everyone wants to be here.”

That Guatemalan man identified America’s purpose: To uphold the right of the people freely to express their minds, openly to seek relief from injustice, and fearlessly to hold government accountable for its action.

The nationwide boycott on May 1 stemmed from earlier protests aimed at legislation that would make illegal immigration a felony. In spirit and in purpose, they reminded me of an event that happened 100 years ago -- a mass meeting convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, by Mohandas Gandhi, an Indian lawyer outraged by a new law making Indians carry registration cards. “The Old Empire Theatre was packed from floor to ceiling,” Gandhi wrote. One speaker said they “must never yield a cowardly submission to such degrading legislation.”

They never did. During a long campaign of noncooperation, Indians burned their registration cards, marched across borders, and thousands went to jail, Gandhi himself three times, to disrupt the laws’ enforcement. In the eighth year of civic resistance, the laws were withdrawn. One piece of one empire of contempt for people’s rights was erased, starting that night at the Empire Theatre. The date was September 11.

While in jail, Gandhi read these words by the American writer Henry David Thoreau, published 58 years earlier: “All men recognize…the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.” That echoed even bolder words spoken one year before by an Illlinois congressman, Abraham Lincoln:

“Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable, a most sacred right, which we hope and believe is to liberate the world.”

Lincoln did not conceive that right. It was sewn into the fabric of our founding. Writing in the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton prefigured Thoreau: “When the first principles of civil society are violated and the rights of a whole people are invaded, the common forms of…law are not to be regarded.” James Madison, foreshadowing Lincoln, went further, recognizing the “transcendent and precious right of the people to ‘abolish or alter their governments’.” From the start, Americans were revolutionaries.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I believe that everyone now alive is witnessing, whether they know it or not, the pursuit of a very great cause: the formation of a common global civil society, based not on an empire of arms but on individual consent. If this world isn’t free and open, we have no chance to save the forests and the oceans, to remove disease and hunger, to release the full potential of every human being, because the old mortal habits of prejudice and avarice, ignorance and savagery -- which justify the jails and borders, guns and domination that keep us down and drive us wide apart – will abort this embryonic world. I believe that all of what stifles and divides us will eventually disappear. But not until our rights -- to speak, to write, to vote, and to resist -- are universal.

We have a choice. Would we delegate to those who are in love with violence the task of liberation? Do we believe, as Lenin said, that terror is invigorating? Do we accept Bin Laden’s cry that the walls of oppression cannot fall except in a hail of bullets? Or do we believe, with Lincoln, that the people have the right to overturn any form of servitude, and with Gandhi, that they have the opportunity? The ancient Hebrew prophet Ezekiel, quoting his God, said: “I will overturn, overturn, overturn it…until he comes whose right it is.” Today the right to overturn belongs to everyone.


http://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/PDF/TheRightOfResistance.pdf

Mideast Peace Prayers: Daily at 5:00

Hello, friends,

I was directed to the Mideast Peace Prayer Foundation by Peace Witness Action List member Linda Williams of the San Diego Church of the Brethren.

Take a moment to imagine what might change if there were a minute of prayer at 5:00PM every day for peace in the Middle East. Below are some speculations. Read on!

Yours for prayerful and rooted world change,

~Matt Guynn
On Earth Peace

Source: http://www.mideastpeaceprayer.org/


It's 5pm. You�re sitting in a restaurant, and suddenly cell phone alarms go off. The voices subside as people bow their heads in prayer.

How would that feel? Can you imagine the conversations that might take place?

Perhaps you're watching the news. It's 5pm, and the announcer says: �We invite you to pause for a moment of silence for peace in the Mideast.�



"With the awareness that everyone has a gift to contribute, that all life matters, and that each individual really does have the power to transform the world this project will at last unite person with person, religion with religion, and culture with culture."


It�s a warm Sunday afternoon in Manhattan�s Central Park. Thousands have just enjoyed several hours with authors, religious leaders, and people in the entertainment industry.

They�re speaking about global cooperation and the power of prayer.

It�s 5pm. The crowd grows silent.

Can you imagine the healing might take place in correctional facilities, as prisoners and guards pray together each day?

Can you imagine the prisoner on death row praying for peace?

Can you envision homeless families praying together in community shelters? Families who have no possessions except for the knowledge that they can make a difference?

The possibilities are endless.

What can you imagine?


Source: http://www.mideastpeaceprayer.org/

Encountering Military Recruitment: June 20 & 22 networking calls

Greetings all,

On Earth Peace's Encountering Recruitment Network continues to be a place for folks to get started and connected as part of the broader movement of resistance to military recruitment in schools.  

Next week, two conference calls will take place. 
        Each call is an opportunity for connecting to what motivates us for this work, time for story-telling, Q&A, and victory celebrations. 
        These calls are a great place to get connected to others who are concerned about military recruitment, to figure out how to get started, and to hear reflections and lessons learned. 
        As we end the school year and look forward to the summer and fall, the calls will also be a place to look back and then to look forward.  [There's also space to bring your concerns & agenda items (send 'em in!).]

TUESDAY, JUNE 20 -- 3:00PM EASTERN
THURSDAY, JUNE 22 --7:00PM EASTERN

Are you available to join us?

I just finished leading a four-day training of counter-recruitment trainers for American Friends Service Committee staff & volunteers from all over the country -- how inspiring to hear so many stories of creative counter-recruitment work -- with arts, music, and youth organizing -- !  Wow! 

So ~ all you counter-recruitment organizers, or organizers-to-be--
I am excited to hear what you have been up to lately --
and/or to hear about your yearnings for getting started --
and to see what our we can continue to do,
        together and with the help of Mystery.

Join us next week!

Matt Guynn
coordinator of peace witness
On Earth Peace
mattguynn at earthlink.net

Sanctuary for servicepeople who are conscientious objectors to Iraq war

Friends --

I commend to you this news from the First United Methodist Church of Tacoma, WA, which has declared itself a sanctuary for members of the military refusing to return to Iraq. 

I can see a network of faith communities -- a renewed and interfaith Sanctuary movement.  It provides haven for people of conscience evading the military (see below) -- but also in these times of immigration controversy, it provides havens for undocumented foreigners.  Can you see it? 

Who else needs sanctuary in these days?  How can our communities of faith provide it?   And will you go to bat, take a legal risk, to do so?

~Matt Guynn
On Earth Peace

p.s. Don't miss their connection of being a reconciling congregation with regards to sexuality to this stand for justice for war-resisters.

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Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Troops refusing Iraq duty get a haven

By MIKE BARBER
P-I REPORTER

Prompted by a Fort Lewis Army officer's decision to refuse to fight in Iraq, the First United Methodist Church of Tacoma has declared itself a sanctuary for servicemen and servicewomen who also don't want to go to Iraq.

The 300-member congregation's administrative council voted last weekend to open its doors beginning this Saturday after 1st Lt. Ehren Watada announced that he thinks the war in Iraq is illegal and that he has sought to resign his commission.

A statement from the church on Wednesday said that service members "who are unable to deploy to combat areas for reasons of conscience" can find protection behind its doors.

"Our initiative was because of Lieutenant Watada's gesture and a clear sense that we have, as a reconciling congregation, deeply involved in justice issues throughout the city, that any war, particularly this one, is inconsistent with Christian teachings," the Rev. Monty Smith said Wednesday night.

Smith said the church stands "in solidarity" with others who hold similar social-justice convictions. The church essentially is providing a protective space and resources to those contemplating whether to resist deployment to Iraq, he said.

Smith said the church so far has received no applications for sanctuary from members of the armed forces. It has protocols and precautions to ensure that anyone who seeks sanctuary is doing so for legal and religious reasons.

The decision marks the latest action by peace activists and war resisters in recent weeks in the Tacoma-Olympia corridor near Fort Lewis.

While troop supporters continue their vigils at a bridge near the post's main gate, Tacoma and Olympia seem to have become a new epicenter for an invigorated anti-war movement usually seen in Seattle.

Two weeks ago, demonstrations in Olympia against the movement of military vehicles from Fort Lewis to Iraq via the Port of Olympia resulted in civil disobedience and arrests.

Last week, Watada, a company-grade military officer with the Stryker Brigade about to deploy to Iraq this month, said off-post and after working hours that he does not conscientiously object to war. He would serve in Afghanistan but not in Iraq, which he considers an illegal war.

Watada, who has tried twice before to resign from the Army, continues to work and train as an artillery-targeting officer but is under investigation, his lawyer and military officials said.

Smith said he's a bit surprised that activism is taking root in the area.

"Before, the huge demonstrations and marches were in Seattle," he said.

Spokesmen for the Church Council of Greater Seattle could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

The Seattle council has expressed support for Watada, and urged support for an Interfaith Network of Concern petition to the Seattle City Council for a resolution urging an exit strategy from Iraq.

On its Web site, the Seattle church group said:

"The Church Council appreciates the difficulty for Lt. Watada in making such an important decision, given his military service, and the potential consequences that he likely will face, including a court-martial. Our support and prayers go to Lt. Watada at this time. We continue to pray and call for an expedited end to the war in Iraq and for the preservation of all lives in the areas of conflict."

Smith, joined by other local clergy members, has scheduled a news conference for noon Friday to explain the church's position and to answer questions.

The church, at 423 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood, has a long history of supporting social justice since opening its doors in 1876.

P-I reporter Mike Barber can be reached at 206-448-8018 or mikebarber@seattlepi.com .

"Ring in Remembrance," June 24-26

June 15, 2006 -- American Baptist News Service

COMMUNITIES OF FAITH TO TOLL BELLS IN REMEMBRANCE OF FALLEN U.S. SOLDIERS

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS)­The Pentagon announced today that the 2,500th U.S. military volunteer was killed in the Iraq War. Religious congregations across the nation are joining forces to mourn this tragic milestone.

“The death of the 2,500th U.S. soldier is a profound loss for our nation and the world,” said Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA of which American Baptist Churches USA is a partner. “As persons of faith, we are called not only to remember their sacrifice, but also to remind our leaders that we are called to be peacemakers.”

Religious congregations and peace organizations are encouraged to participate in the nationwide interfaith initiative, "Ring in Remembrance" next week-end, June 24-25, 2006, by ringing bells, especially the bells of their houses of worship, to honor the fallen and remember their hurting families.

The bell ringing effort is organized by an interfaith electronic advocacy community dedicated to advancing justice in public policy called FaithfulAmerica.org, a program of the National Council of Churches USA. “Bell ringing has historically been used to call communities together in times of joy, sadness, or crisis,” said Vince Isner, director of FaithfulAmerica.org. “We believe this is not only a time of sadness, but an opportunity to ring in a new season of peace.”

Churches Urged to Ring Bells as War Toll Approaches 2,500

Churches Urged to Ring Bells as War Toll Approaches 2,500
Friday, Jun. 9, 2006  in the Christian Post

WASHINGTON – As the milestone death of the 2,500th soldier in Iraq approaches, churches across America are being called to ring their bells in remembrance of the cost of the soldiers’ sacrifice to their country.  Organized by DemocracyRising.US and FaithfulAmerica.org – an interfaith group initiated by the National Council of Churches, the nationwide “Ring of Remembrance” is expected to draw participation from thousands of churches, synagogues and mosques.

“Bell ringing has historically been used to call communities together in times of joy, sadness, or crisis,” said Vince Isner, director of FaithfulAmerica.org. “We believe this is not only a time of sadness, but an opportunity to ring in a new season of peace.”

To date, 2,481 U.S. soldiers have been killed in the war in Iraq, and churches will ring their bells when the death toll rises to 2,500.

The bell-ringing call comes as Americans’ approval for the war dropped to record lows. According to AP-Ipsos polling taken Monday through Wednesday, 59 percent of adults say the United States made a mistake in going to war in Iraq. President Bush’s handling of Iraq dipped to 33 percent, a new low.  
 
However, both the poll and the bell-ringing call came before the death of al-Qaida leader Abu Musab al Zaqawi in Iraq late Wednesday – an event hailed as “a severe blow to al-Qaida” and “a significant victory in the war on terror” by President Bush. "We have tough days ahead of us in Iraq that will require the continuing patience of the American people,” Bush said.

According to the National Council of Churches – a vocal critic of the war, the bell-ringing initiative is meant both as a commemoration to the fallen soldiers’ sacrifices and a reminder of the high costs of the Iraq war.  “The expected death of the 2,500th U.S. soldier will be a profound loss for our nation and the world,” said the Rev. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA. “As persons of faith, we are called not only to remember their sacrifice, but also to remind our leaders that we are called to be peacemakers.”

Pauline J. Chang
pauline@christianpost.com

Message of forgiveness makes it through on CNN

Friends,

Today I send you a link to an interview about al-Zarqawi's death with Michael Berg, from the June 8 edition of CNN's American Morning Berg's son, Nick, was slain by al-Zarqawi's forces.

While listening, I was stunned as the exchange continued. The interviewer, Soledad O'Brien, keeps asking him if he feels relieved -- if he feels closure -- now that his son's killer has been killed. Berg keeps speaking back, clearly and forthrightly -- saying that this death just continues the cycle of violence.

This is a compelling example of someone speaking through the media with a message of forgiveness.

~Matt Guynn
p.s. You can read the transcript here: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/06/08/berg.interview/index.html . Thanks to Wanda Joseph and Michael Waas Smith for tracking it down!



From Rick Polhamus (Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, Ohio):

The father of one of Zarqawi's most brutal murders- Nick Berg, (it has been attributed to him) was on American Morning today to give his reaction to the news that Zarqawi is dead.

Video -WMP Video -QT

It seemed that Soledad was not prepared to hear what Michael Berg had to say. (rough transcript)

Berg: Zarqawi is also a political figure and his death will reignite yet another wave of revenge-revenge is something I do not follow. I do not ask for against anybody and it's an endless cycle as long as people use violence to combat violence-ahh we will always have violence.

Soledad: I have to say sir I'm surprised, I know how devastated you were-your family was frankly when Nick was killed in such a horrible and brutal---

Berg: Well you shouldn't be surprised because I have never said anything but forgiveness and peace...

CBS News has more: "Nicholas Berg's father, a pacifist who is running for Delaware's U.S. House seat on the Green Party ticket, said al-Zarqawi's death is likely to foster anti-American resentment among al-Qaida members who feel they have nothing left to lose." He dismissed the notion that al-Zarqawi's death might bring him closure... read on


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/08/ap/national/mainD8I468DG0.shtml

Berg: No Good in Al-Zarqawi's Death

Father of man believed to be beheaded by al-Zarqawi sees no good in terrorist leader's death

DOVER, Del., Jun. 8, 2006
By RANDALL CHASE Associated Press Writer

(AP) The father of Nicholas Berg, a U.S. contractor believed to have been beheaded by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq, said Thursday that he doesn't see any good coming from al-Zarqawi's death.

"I see more death coming out of al-Zarqawi's death," Michael Berg told The Associated Press after learning a U.S. air strike had killed the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq.

Al-Zarqawi is believed to have beheaded two American civilians in 2004: Nicholas Berg, a 26-year-old businessman from West Chester, Pa., and Eugene Armstrong, a 52-year-old contractor from Hillsdale, Mich. Jack Hensley, a 48-year-old engineer from Marietta, Ga., was abducted at the same time as Armstrong and also killed.

Armstrong's family didn't want to discuss al-Zarqawi Thursday morning.

"An evil man is dead, and what more can you say?" said family spokeswoman Cyndi Armstrong, the wife of the slain contractor's cousin.

Nicholas Berg's father, a pacifist who is running for Delaware's U.S. House seat on the Green Party ticket, said al-Zarqawi's death is likely to foster anti-American resentment among al-Qaida members who feel they have nothing left to lose.

He dismissed the notion that al-Zarqawi's death might bring him closure.

"First of all, I'm not even certain that al-Zarqawi even killed my son," said Michael Berg, who doesn't believe the videotape of his son's execution or what he's been told by the FBI any more than he believes conspiracy theories suggesting his son was killed by the U.S. government.

"I think the news of the loss of any human being is a tragedy. I think al-Zarqawi's death is a double tragedy," he said. "His death will incite a new wave of revenge. George Bush and al-Zarqawi are two men who believe in revenge."

Berg said that while al-Zarqawi may have killed a couple of hundred people, Bush is responsible for 150,000 deaths.

Al-Zarqawi was killed by a U.S. airstrike in a remote area 30 miles northeast of Baghdad. Al-Qaida in Iraq confirmed his death and vowed to continue its "holy war," according to a statement posted on a Web site. The group has taken responsibility for numerous attacks on U.S. and Iraqi targets in the past few years.

"I think in this case justice has finally been served," said the Rev. Jerry Gladson, who had been Hensley's pastor at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Marietta.

President Bush, speaking outside the White House Thursday morning, said al-Zarqawi's death was "a severe blow" to al-Qaida but the war on terror would continue.

"We have tough days ahead of us in Iraq that will require the continued patience of the American people," he said.

___

Associated Press writers David N. Goodman in Detroit and Don Schanche in Atlanta contributed to this report.

Encountering Military Recruitment: Getting Involved & Getting Connected

Dear friends,

On Earth Peace sponsors a regular networking call for all who are currently involved (or who wish to get involved) in creatively countering the prevalent presence of military recruiters, and offering meaningful alternatives for youth. 

Does this describe you? If so, can you join us for a networking call on June 20 or 22? 

(Please visit our website at http://www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html for more info on truth-in-recruiting and counter-recruiting!)

The call is a time to meet others from around the counter-recruitment movement, and to share the lessons you've learned during this school year's organizing.    What has worked well?  (What are your "best practices"?)  What will you do differently next year?  What would you like to still learn how to do better? 

As usual, the call will be a great place for folks with different levels of experience:
        ==to reflect,
        ==to share questions and learnings, and
        ==to return to your organizing feeling more connected to the broader movement and to your own motivations for the work.

We are considering two calls during the week of June 19--

TUESDAY -- 3:00PM EASTERN
THURSDAY -- 7:00PM EASTERN

I'll need at least three participants in either slot to keep that slot open.  I will let you know on this list on Friday, June 15 how many have registered for each slot.

Will you join us, and add your experience to the conversation?

~Matt Guynn
coordinator of peace witness
On Earth Peace

White House Pray-In:

Friends,

This report for a recent "pray-in" at the White House is by Todd Flory, a volunteer at the Church of the Brethren Washington Office. It comes from yesterday's issue of the Church of the Brethren Newsline.

Rabbi Michael Lerner, in his speech, identified now as a time when a new religious movement may be being born. What does the birth of a religious movement look like? Can we be a part of it? Can we help birth a movement rooted strongly in faith and speaking clearly and prophetically for the justice-dance of God?

~Matt Guynn
On Earth Peace

p.s. To request copies of On Earth Peace's "When Jesus said," bumperstickers, mentioned below, please call 410-635-8704, or visit http://www.brethren.org/oepa/LoveYourEnemies.html


A Church of the Brethren volunteer reflects on a `pray-in' outside the White House.
By Todd Flory "The Church of the Brethren has a really good bumper sticker like that.
Have you seen those?" His right hand gripped mine in a firm hand shake, his left index finger tapped the front of my shirt that read, "When Jesus said, 'Love your enemies,' I think he probably meant don't kill them."

After telling the Reverend Tony Campolo that yes, I indeed had seen those bumper stickers, we chatted for a few minutes before he had to take the stage for the Pray-In for Peace held outside of the White House in Lafayette Park on May 18, as part of the 2006 Spiritual Activism Conference. Staff of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office attended the pray-in to show support and to be a part of the continued peace movement to end the war in Iraq, to prevent war in Iran, and to pray and work for peace in all areas of the world.

Rabbi Michael Lerner told the several hundred activists in attendance that they were not only praying for an end to war, but for a new spiritual vision for our society. He likened the pray-in to an announcement for the birth of a religious and spiritual left. Too often, he explained, the religious left has not portrayed its message to the public as effectively as the religious right has. "There hasn't been a frame in the mindset (of the media) for the religious left, and we're here to change that," he said. "We need not only to say what we're against, but what we're for."

Amid chants of "Don't Iraq Iran," the peace movement's recent unofficial spokes-mom, Cindy Sheehan, spoke on the need for separation of church and state. She noted the frustration of using religion as justification for the government's war actions. "You put your hand on the Bible and take an oath to the Constitution," Sheehan said. "You don't put your hand on the Constitution and take an oath to the Bible."

Sheehan also discussed the concept of borders and the US administration's incessant use of "us" and "them" language. "This spiritual awakening tells us to tear down these walls. We need to erase these borders," she said. "When they use the rhetoric, 'We have to fight them over there, so we don't have to fight them over here,' I ask them, 'What makes their babies less precious than our babies?' Peace isn't an absence of conflict; it's solving the conflict nonviolently."

Campolo was among the last to address the crowd, which heard around a dozen speakers from a variety of faith traditions. He urged a need for systemic change and a deeper look into the causes of war and terrorism.
"You don't get rid of terrorists by killing terrorists, any more than you get rid of malaria by killing mosquitoes, " he said. "You get rid of malaria by getting rid of the swamps that breed them."

The culture of war and how societies view each other and deal with conflict was at the heart of the pray-in, and in the hearts of the hundreds who turned out to help ensure that peace becomes a societal and faithful reaction to conflict.

--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker and a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.






A Church of the Brethren volunteer reflects on a `pray-in' outside the White House.
By Todd Flory

"The Church of the Brethren has a really good bumper sticker like that.
Have you seen those?" His right hand gripped mine in a firm hand shake,
his left index finger tapped the front of my shirt that read, "When Jesus
said, 'Love your enemies,' I think he probably meant don't kill them."

After telling the Reverend Tony Campolo that yes, I indeed had seen
those bumper stickers, we chatted for a few minutes before he had to take
the stage for the Pray-In for Peace held outside of the White House in
Lafayette Park on May 18, as part of the 2006 Spiritual Activism
Conference. Staff of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office attended
the pray-in to show support and to be a part of the continued peace
movement to end the war in Iraq, to prevent war in Iran, and to pray and
work for peace in all areas of the world.

Rabbi Michael Lerner told the several hundred activists in attendance
that they were not only praying for an end to war, but for a new spiritual
vision for our society. He likened the pray-in to an announcement for the
birth of a religious and spiritual left. Too often, he explained, the
religious left has not portrayed its message to the public as effectively as
the religious right has. "There hasn't been a frame in the mindset (of the
media) for the religious left, and we're here to change that," he said. "We
need not only to say what we're against, but what we're for."

Amid chants of "Don't Iraq Iran," the peace movement's recent
unofficial spokes-mom, Cindy Sheehan, spoke on the need for separation
of church and state. She noted the frustration of using religion as
justification for the government's war actions. "You put your hand on the
Bible and take an oath to the Constitution," Sheehan said. "You don't put
your hand on the Constitution and take an oath to the Bible."

Sheehan also discussed the concept of borders and the US
administration's incessant use of "us" and "them" language. "This
spiritual awakening tells us to tear down these walls. We need to erase
these borders," she said. "When they use the rhetoric, 'We have to fight
them over there, so we don't have to fight them over here,' I ask them,
'What makes their babies less precious than our babies?' Peace isn't an
absence of conflict; it's solving the conflict nonviolently."

Campolo was among the last to address the crowd, which heard around a
dozen speakers from a variety of faith traditions. He urged a need for
systemic change and a deeper look into the causes of war and terrorism.
"You don't get rid of terrorists by killing terrorists, any more than you
get rid of malaria by killing mosquitoes, " he said. "You get rid of
malaria by getting rid of the swamps that breed them."

The culture of war and how societies view each other and deal with
conflict was at the heart of the pray-in, and in the hearts of the hundreds
who turned out to help ensure that peace becomes a societal and faithful
reaction to conflict.

--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker and a legislative
associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, a ministry of the
Church of the Brethren General Board.

Two Iraq-era Christian conscientious objectors

Friends, sisters, brothers, co-laborers:

Here are two stories that may provide some inspiration: Joshua Casteel and Nate Wildemuth. Both young men were students at West Point, but realized they could not in good conscience continue to participate in the military as Christians. Casteel only realized this for certain after he interrogated a Jihadist Muslim at Abu Ghraib.

Idea: Print a copy of these stories to review in a quiet moment or devotional time sometimes this week.

Another idea: Would you share this post with a young person, or someone else in your life, who may be wrestling with questions of Christian faith and military service?

Yours sincerely,
Matt Guynn

p.s. Both stories come from the Catholic Peace Fellowship. Thanks to Titus Peachey from Mennonite Central Committee for sharing Casteel's story with me!

Source: http://www.catholicpeacefellowship.org/print.asp?m=2341

Iraq Veteran Says No to War
If I am bound to the belief that God is in control of the cosmos, and miracles can and do happen, then there is no possible “hypothetical situation” wherein God’s ability to perform miracles through the faithful actions of the merciful ceases to be a possibility. And, I would rather die myself than err in this fashion, having too hastily chosen preemptive judgment...

...And there is nothing I have, or possibly could have, that is so worth defending that I should ever intentionally allow myself to enact such instantaneous and self-righteous damnation upon another human being. A Christian is called to a much greater notion of justice - one that involves self-sacrifice for the sake of the offender.

Joshua Casteel, a veteran of the Iraq War and an eight-year member of the U.S. Armed Forces, has recently been granted status as a conscientious objector. He is now in residence as a playwright at the University of Iowa Playwrights Workshop. While in Iraq, working as an interrogator and an Arabic linguist at Abu Ghraib, Joshua wrote many essays to try to come to terms with his experience. One of these essays, The History of Memory, is published in our writers corner.

The son of two ministers, and a member of a military family, Joshua joined the Delayed Enlistment Program in 1997, his junior year in high school. That summer, he attended Basic Training, where he was already uncomfortable with shouting the chants, "Kill! Kill! Kill, without mercy, Sergeant!" and "Blood! Blood! Bright red blood, Sergeant!" But, he says, he took this discomfort as a general aversion to violence on account of his Christian upbringing, and didn't pursue its deeper significance.

Joshua attended West Point for a year, but soon realized he would be more fit for a liberal arts college. He continued his education at the University of Iowa and Oxford University, during which time he began to study the history of the Christian Just War and pacifist traditions with zeal. By the time he was deployed to Iraq in June 2004, Joshua was already theologically certain of his pacifism. However, he believed that he had sworn himself to service, and therefore needed to fulfill his duty as a soldier.

In Iraq, Joshua underwent a "crystallization of conscience." He describes his journey as one in which, although he had already intellectually converted to Christian pacifism, he had "required a personal encounter, a historical benchmark which would forever confirm for me who I was - and who I could never be again."

Stationed at Abu Ghraib, Joshua had the opportunity to interrogate a Saudi Arabian jihadist. It was this experience that ultimately convinced him of his conscientious objection to war:

The entire interrogation seemed almost mythical. When I finished I actually had to confess to my section leader what had happened, and how badly I had lost my objectivity as an interrogator, thinking it probably better to transfer the case to a different interrogation team. We spent most of the interrogation discussing ethics, Islam and Christianity. The man was a self-professed jihadist, come from Saudi Arabia for the sole purpose of killing people like me. Yet the entire time we spoke, he talked to me with a gentle calmness and evangelical tone, whereby I genuinely believed he desired my good - as I truly desired his. He tried to convert me to Islam from start to finish, and coming from an Evangelical Christian background, I felt in familiar territory, as if I were speaking simply to my Muslim counterpart. Then, we began to discuss war and violence. I asked him why he came to kill, he asked me why did I. At that point I knew I could go no further, unless I wanted to get into a debate about which one of us had the “more just” cause.

He then told me that I was not following the actual teaching of Christ, who said to “turn the other cheek” and to “not resist an evil person.” Coming from a jihadist who flat out told me he would kill me if he had the chance, I did not take the personal challenge all that seriously, but I came to a clear recognition of the fact that I absolutely agreed with him. I was in complete and total agreement with him, and I told him so. I did believe that my participation in systems of violence debilitates my Christian witness. I wanted to tell him that there was a different answer to injustice than the cycle of vengeance and violence condoned by Islam and by most systems of secular law: “killing in the name of justice or civil order.” I wanted to tell the jihadist that Jesus Christ (in Islam, the prophet “Isa”) had taught another way, and that I was living that way as a flesh-and-blood example for him - but I could not. For a moment, my job and duties completely faded to the periphery and all I cared about was confessing to this enemy my own sins in the hopes that he would recognize his. But, I could only take him so far. I could not actually lead him down a different path by my own example.

What I realized that day is that I whole heartedly believed, even when challenged by an enemy lacking legitimacy, that my participation in systems of violence completely debilitates the living example I believe is my bounded duty as a Christian to offer. And I believe this lack of coherence made my Christian witness totally impotent to a man who believed he was fighting a “just cause.”



A conversion story
Source: http://www.catholicpeacefellowship.org/nextpage.asp?m=1000

Nate Wildermuth, a Catholic since childhood, did not embrace his faith until he spent a year in Africa as a young adult. He set out on a path to follow God, and at the time, he thought that joining the military was the way he could express his Christian commitment. Nate entered the military in 2000, and began at West Point Academy in the summer of 2001.

As Nate’s zeal for his renewed Christian faith led him to read the Bible and attend daily mass, he began to doubt seriously his chosen path. Not wanting to ruin his chances for a good career, to disappoint his parents, to lose his friends, or to give up his status as a member of the highly esteemed Parachute Team, however, Nate stayed at West Point and tried to soothe his conscience by telling himself that he could serve the military as a noncombatant - a medic. However, he soon realized the error of his thinking: “If I can not morally participate in combat, I certainly can not participate in its multiplication. I can not morally object to warfare while enabling others to fight for me. I can not serve both the military and God.”

In his CO application, Nate wrote, “Under no circumstance can I participate in war. The only organization I can put my trust and heart into is the Kingdom of God. The only mission I can support is the mission of salvation and love. With faith and trust, and courage to follow the example of Christ, I am filled with a joyful optimism for a future guided by the hand of God.”

After leaving the military, Nate spent time with the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker in Washington, D.C. He recently finished writing a novel about nonviolence, and is hoping to publish it soon.

These two people are living testimonies to the Christian faith. We need not look only to the Early Christians for witnesses to emulate.


Please visit: www.catholicpeacefellowship.org

Have you called about the School of the Americas?

Hello friends,

Although I sent this item out last week, I am repeating it in hopes that you will take time today or tomorrow to contact your Congressional representative about the McGovern amendment to close the School of the Americas. 

Many people of faith and people of good conscience have been working to close the SOA for decades, and this amendment to an appropriations bill is an important opportunity to cut its funding. 

If you desire more information about the School of the Americas, visit the website of School of the Americas Watch, www.soaw.org. There is a new flash video on their site with lots of background info: http://soaw.org/new/flash.php

May the early summer weather -- however it's treating you -- restore the deep wells and bring lush life to your surroundings and to your spirit.

Yours,
~Matt Guynn

 <><><><><><><><><><><<>

June 1, 2006

Greetings from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office!

Friends, this action alert comes to us from the School Of Americas Watch Office.

Next week, the week of June 5, Congress will vote on an amendment to close the School Of Americas(SOA)/ Western Hemisphere Institute For Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). Rep. McGovern (MA) will introduce an amendment to the Foreign Operations appropriations bill to cut funding for the SOA/ WHINSEC!

We expect a close vote and need as many people as possible flooding the offices of the House of Representatives with calls in support of a YES vote on the amendment. This is it! And it's the people power of our movement that will get this amendment passed! Visit the Legislative Action Index for more information: www.soaw.org/legislative.


National Call-in Days to Close the SOA/WHINSEC

Tuesday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 7:

Call Congress at 202-224-3121 or toll free at 888-355-3588.
Please take the time to call the DC office of your Representative through the Capitol Hill Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or toll free at 1-888-355-3588. Ask to speak with the foreign affairs legislative assistant. Here is a suggested message for you to convey:

"I am calling Congressman/woman ________ to urge him/her to vote YES on the McGovern amendment to the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. This amendment is a cut in funding for the School of the Americas/ WHINSEC. New information indicates that WHINSEC has allowed known human rights abusers to instruct and receive training at the school. Argentina and Uruguay are two more countries that have made public announcements they will no longer send students to the school, citing the negative image and history of this institution. Voting YES on this amendment sends a positive human rights message to Latin America and will help to improve the U.S. image abroad. As an elected official in Washington D.C., I hope you will represent me and vote YES on any amendment in the House that would cut funding for the school."
Click here to send an email and fax to your Representative. (Be sure to click the "Send a Fax" box to have the fax sent).

Are you in or near Washington, DC? On Tuesday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 7, we will be delivering material to Members of Congress and knocking on their doors, asking them to join our movement and vote to close the SOA. Please join us! If you can be with us for some or all of the day on Tuesday or Wednesday, please email Eric at elecompte(at)soaw(dot)org.

For more information, visit the SOA Watch website at www.SOAW.org and the Legislative Action Index at www.soaw.org/legislative.

The Church of the Brethren has a long tradition of participating in the cause of  SOAW.  "THEREFORE be it resolved that the Church of the Brethren General Board calls upon our government to close the US Army School of the Americas. Human rights abuses such as murder, torture, and false imprisonment, as well as political instability and lack of criminal accountability, are all part of the school's dubious history. The US government must take a leadership role in bringing foreign diplomacy into the open, fostering an honest dialogue between all nations of the earth. We stand with those who have fallen victim to the acts of violence committed by School of the Americas graduates, and call for those who are responsible to be brought into accountability. As people who take seriously Christ's call to peacemaking, we must oppose our government's facilitation of these activities so contrary to God's greatest commandment "love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself" - Luke 10:27." (GB Statement, 1997)  

To find the contact information for your Senators and Representatives, please go to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office web-site, http://www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html, and click on the "Contact Congress" link on the right-hand side of the page. There, you can enter your zip code and find contact information for your elected officials.

If you have questions on these or other issues, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at the address below. We would love to hear from you!

Brethren Witness/Washington Office Action Alerts are sent out as important issues arise. Forward this alert to others! To add an email address to our list, contact:


**********************************
Brethren Witness/Washington Office
337 North Carolina Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Local Phone:  202-546-3202
Toll Free:  1-800-785-3246
Fax:  202-544-5852
E-Mail:  washington_office_gb@brethren.org
**********************************

Lobby days to close the School of the Americas

Greetings sisters and brothers and all good people,

This notice comes from our colleagues at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.  I hope you will take time on June 6 or 7 to contact your congresspeople and ask that the School of the Americas be closed.  For more information about the SOA, visit www.soaw.org.

Yours,
~Matt Guynn

 
June 1, 2006

Greetings from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office!

Friends, this action alert comes to us from the School Of Americas Watch Office.

Next week, the week of June 5, Congress will vote on an amendment to close the School Of Americas(SOA)/ Western Hemisphere Institute For Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). Rep. McGovern (MA) will introduce an amendment to the Foreign Operations appropriations bill to cut funding for the SOA/ WHINSEC!

We expect a close vote and need as many people as possible flooding the offices of the House of Representatives with calls in support of a YES vote on the amendment. This is it! And it's the people power of our movement that will get this amendment passed! Visit the Legislative Action Index for more information: www.soaw.org/legislative.


National Call-in Days to Close the SOA/WHINSEC

Tuesday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 7:

Call Congress at 202-224-3121 or toll free at 888-355-3588.
Please take the time to call the DC office of your Representative through the Capitol Hill Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or toll free at 1-888-355-3588. Ask to speak with the foreign affairs legislative assistant. Here is a suggested message for you to convey:

"I am calling Congressman/woman ________ to urge him/her to vote YES on the McGovern amendment to the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. This amendment is a cut in funding for the School of the Americas/ WHINSEC. New information indicates that WHINSEC has allowed known human rights abusers to instruct and receive training at the school. Argentina and Uruguay are two more countries that have made public announcements they will no longer send students to the school, citing the negative image and history of this institution. Voting YES on this amendment sends a positive human rights message to Latin America and will help to improve the U.S. image abroad. As an elected official in Washington D.C., I hope you will represent me and vote YES on any amendment in the House that would cut funding for the school."
Click here to send an email and fax to your Representative. (Be sure to click the "Send a Fax" box to have the fax sent).

Are you in or near Washington, DC? On Tuesday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 7, we will be delivering material to Members of Congress and knocking on their doors, asking them to join our movement and vote to close the SOA. Please join us! If you can be with us for some or all of the day on Tuesday or Wednesday, please email Eric at elecompte(at)soaw(dot)org.

For more information, visit the SOA Watch website at www.SOAW.org and the Legislative Action Index at www.soaw.org/legislative.

The Church of the Brethren has a long tradition of participating in the cause of  SOAW.  "THEREFORE be it resolved that the Church of the Brethren General Board calls upon our government to close the US Army School of the Americas. Human rights abuses such as murder, torture, and false imprisonment, as well as political instability and lack of criminal accountability, are all part of the school's dubious history. The US government must take a leadership role in bringing foreign diplomacy into the open, fostering an honest dialogue between all nations of the earth. We stand with those who have fallen victim to the acts of violence committed by School of the Americas graduates, and call for those who are responsible to be brought into accountability. As people who take seriously Christ's call to peacemaking, we must oppose our government's facilitation of these activities so contrary to God's greatest commandment "love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself" - Luke 10:27." (GB Statement, 1997)  

To find the contact information for your Senators and Representatives, please go to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office web-site, http://www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html, and click on the "Contact Congress" link on the right-hand side of the page. There, you can enter your zip code and find contact information for your elected officials.

If you have questions on these or other issues, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at the address below. We would love to hear from you!

Brethren Witness/Washington Office Action Alerts are sent out as important issues arise. Forward this alert to others! To add an email address to our list, contact:


**********************************
Brethren Witness/Washington Office
337 North Carolina Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Local Phone:  202-546-3202
Toll Free:  1-800-785-3246
Fax:  202-544-5852
E-Mail:  washington_office_gb@brethren.org
**********************************