Nonviolence News

This Sunday: International Day of Prayer for Peace

2008-09-19T19:26:00.001-04:00

Dear friends, Many of you have been hard at work planning and preparing events for this weekend as part of the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Congratulations! It's almost here! Here in the Portland, OR, office of On Earth Peace, we are excited about the nearly 150 congregations and community groups who have connected with On Earth Peace as part of this initiative focused on local

International Day of Prayer for Peace UPDATER 7/28/2008

2008-07-29T16:19:00.001-04:00

PRAYING FOR PEACE UPDATE - July 28, 2008 News from On Earth Peace's campaign to support the International Day of Prayer for Peace www.onearthpeace.org/prayforpeace Friends and organizing partners, sisters and brothers, Greetings in the name of Christ and in God's peace and grace! We've got great news to share! As of today, sixty-one (63!) congregations and community groups have committed

What Are You Doing on September 21?

2008-06-26T16:46:00.000-04:00

1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22, NRSV On Sunday September

Longshoremen to Close Ports To Protest War

2008-04-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

Friends, sisters, brothers, Watch the news for this in a couple of weeks. . . Why do you think it creates so much panic & chaos when laborers strike? What can we learn from that about where power lies, and how power works, in order to make our political action more powerful? Here's to powerful action programs, that truly get in the way, or that truly generate alternatives to what the

Fighting Violence with Nonviolence: Unarmed Civilian Peacekeepers

2008-03-27T19:20:00.000-04:00

Fight violence with nonviolence Unarmed civilian peacekeepers are saving lives today. By Rolf Carriere and Michael Nagler CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR MARCH 27, 2008 Atlanta - Legends relate that Buddha stopped a war between two kings who were quarreling over rights to a river by asking them, "Which is more precious, blood or water?" Could ordinary people use the same kind of wisdom and

Purification of former US military bases

2008-03-11T21:08:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, Here's a reflection from longtime Christian Peacemaker Teams member Rey Lopez, who is from Manila, Philippines about a purification rituals he and other members of a CPT delegation in the Philippines. His reflection raises the question: What land in your town might be in need of a ritual of purification? What would it look like for your and your community to plan and carry out

Mobilizing Women in Colombia

2008-01-09T18:44:00.000-05:00

Friends, This reflection from Sarah McDonald raises interesting questions for anyone who wonders why their peace groups, religious communities, community organizations "aren't more diverse." What does it look like for you to "go to Choco and Putumayo"? Yours for creative initiative, Matt Guynn On Earth Peace CPTnet ~ www.cpt.org 9 January 2007 COLOMBIA JOURNAL: Mobilizing women by

Santa Claus and Nonviolent Action. . .

2007-12-20T14:36:00.000-05:00

Hello friends,This week I have run across a couple of examples of Santa taking part in nonviolent actions. I thought you would enjoy them!The first story is from a 1951 campaign to racially integrate a department store in Washington, DC. The following comes from Fight On! Mary Church Terrell´s Battle for Integration (Clarion Books, New York). If you don't know about Mary Church Terrell -- read

Advent reflections

2007-12-14T14:17:00.001-05:00

Hi friends on PWAL, and welcome to the new members this week! Here's a theological/spiritual reflection I prepared for On Earth Peace's national counter-recruitment networking call yesterday. We sponsor these calls about every 6 wks, and this round included organizers from Los Angeles and Claremont, CA; Reading and Philadelphia, PA; Bradenton, FL; Oregon, and Ohio. Each call includes some

Christian Peace Witness for Iraq: Update

2007-12-14T14:16:00.001-05:00

Friends, On Earth Peace and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office were both sponsors of the March 2007 Christian Peace Witness for Iraq in Washington DC. Here is an update on the continuing organizing by this strong coalition of many Christian peace groups. Blessings, Matt Guynn CHRISTIAN PEACE WITNESS FOR IRAQ www.christianpeacewitness.org Our light continues to burn! Participate in a

UGANDA: The bumpy road to Juba

2007-12-04T12:50:00.001-05:00

CPTnet ~ www.cpt.org 4 December 2007 UGANDA: The bumpy road to Juba by Jane MacKay Wright The road to Juba, Sudan, from Gulu, Uganda is bumpy. The hard-packed red earth is pocked with potholes often three meters wide. Long ago floods have scored deep ruts in its surface. The traffic jostles and shakes as vehicles twist and wind their way through the dust. Bicycles slowly negotiate the

Organizing high school youth to build peace and resist militarism

2007-11-02T20:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings Friends, Here are examples of two events -- one coming up in Lancaster, PA, and one just passed, in North Carolina -- for reaching out to and organizing youth around peace and military recruitment. If you're around Lancaster, PA, will you take a youth you know on November 10? While neither of these examples might fully fit for youth in YOUR area, I encourage you to reflect-- What

A Common Word Between Muslims and Christians

2007-10-18T14:51:00.000-04:00

Friends, To read the statement mentioned below, please visit: http://www.acommonword.com Blessings Matt Guynn Introduction to A Common Word Between Us and You On October 13th 2006, one month to the day after Pope Benedict XVI�s Regensburg address of September 13th 2006, 38 Islamic authorities and scholars from around the world, representing all denominations and schools of thought,

Buddhist monks, nuns lead pro-democracy protests in Burma

2007-09-25T20:40:00.001-04:00

Brothers and sisters,What is our role as people of faith and conscience when concerns in society need to be addressed?A major purpose of the Peace Witness Action List is to support the possibility that when our communities need it, we as people of faith will act.We will act, rooted in our spirits and reaching out in connection our apparent opponents, but also faithful to the vision we've been

Jena, Louisiana: Stand in solidarity with 6 black youth

2007-09-14T14:12:00.001-04:00

Sisters, brothers, friends, Are you aware of the situation in Jena, Louisiana? Please read on to find out about how six black youths are threatened with years in prison in a spiraling situation of race-based intimidation and injustice. Source: http://www.colorofchange.org/jena/main.html (The mission of Color of Change: ColorOfChange.org exists to strengthen Black America's

ENCOUNTERING RECRUITMENT: Sept 26 call for organizers

2007-09-12T14:46:00.001-04:00

What is happening in your community to generate positive alternatives for youth attracted to the military? "It's encouraging to know there are people around the country facing the same things I am, and to hear how they are responding!" -- recent participant ENCOUNTERING (MILITARY) RECRUITMENT NETWORKING CALLS On Earth Peace regularly sponsors national networking calls as an opportunity for

September 11 support call for International Day of Prayer for Peace organizers

2007-09-11T14:05:00.000-04:00

Friends, sisters, brothers, Hello and greetings in the spirit of Grace and Peace! I hope that you are blessed with healing and power today. EIGHTY (80) Church of the Brethren congregations, colleges, and communities, have signed up to sponsor prayer events as part of the September 21 International Day of Prayer for Peace. I invite you to review the list at http://www.brethren.org/oepa/

International Day of Prayer for Peace update / NOTE: organizer call August 29, 2007

2007-08-28T08:33:00.001-04:00

Dear friends, sisters, brothers, 1) Want to get inspired? Review the brief updates below from congregations and communities around the country about what they are doing as part of the International Day of Prayer for Peace this September 21! More than 50 have now signed up. You can see more about the campaign here: http://www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/peace-witness/prayforpeace.html 2)

International Day of Prayer for Peace -- Sept 21, 2007

2007-08-15T14:32:00.000-04:00

Pray about violence, pray for peace http://www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/peace-witness/prayforpeace.html The International Day of Prayer for Peace takes place on September 21, 2007. Will your raise up your concerns about violence by planning a prayer event for that day or that week? The International Day of Prayer for Peace is an initiative of the World Council of Churches, scheduled to

Robber Needed a Hug

2007-07-17T12:30:00.001-04:00

Thanks for list member Paul Cesare for sharing this story! Matt On Earth Peace Robber needed a hug Posted on Fri, Jul. 13, 2007 http://www.kansascity.com/news/nation/story/189414.html WASHINGTON | Police on Capitol Hill are baffled by an attempted robbery that began with a handgun put to the head of a 14-year-old girl and ended in a group hug. It started about midnight June 16 when a group

Landmine use down due to stigma

2007-07-16T14:17:00.001-04:00

Friends, Here's an article on the decrease in landmine usage in the last few years. The authors wonder about the iconic impact of Princess Di's opposition to their use. I also reflect on the careful and widespread mobilizing that was spurred, for instance, by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which, together with landmine campaigner Jody Williams, won the Nobel Peace Prize in

SUSIYA (SOUTH HEBRON HILLS): Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals show solidarity with Susiya village

2007-07-16T10:47:00.001-04:00

Dear sisters and brothers, Here is an encouraging story of solidarity in the midst of imminent destruction. Where is solidarity needed in your own community or region? How are you already providing it? What might it look like for you to take a next step in solidarity with the threatened or the oppressed close to where you live? May God grant us courage. 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Keep alert,

BORDERLANDS REFLECTION: Liberty... for whom?

2007-07-09T14:02:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, Here is a reflection originating from the ongoing Christian Peacemaker Teams witness along the border between the US & Mexico. Please pray for all those touched by border enforcement, including officials, immigrants, and accompaniers. It is well to remember how Jesus dealt with borders -- crossing them, seeking and offering healing and relationship. Blessings, Matt Guynn On

First Nations activists erect 9-meter teepee on lawn of Ontario legislature

2007-06-27T15:35:00.001-04:00

CPTnet27 June 2007TORONTO: CPT accompanies activists protesting Ontario government granting licenses to corporations destroying Native lands and livelihoodsby David MilneWith speed and precision, activists from the Rainforest Action Network, accompanied by members of Christian Peacemaker Teams and Forest Ethics, erected a nine-metre tall tepee bearing the words "Native Rights Now," on Monday, 25

Butte, Montana, City Council calls for withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

2007-06-07T13:39:00.000-04:00

Friends, More than 300 local resolutions have now been passed across the U.S., calling for withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Would this be possible in your area? Notice how this Montana group makes the case for it, below. Peace, Matt Guynn On Earth Peace <><><><><><><><<>< Mary Kay Craig of Butte TAPS (Taking Action for Peaceful Solutions, ButteTAPS@bresnan.net wrote: Hi. I am sending

Beatification of Franz Jagerstatter, WWII German conscientious objector

2007-06-07T12:50:00.000-04:00

Sisters and brothers, The following comes from the webpage of the Catholic Peace Fellowship. The story of Franz Jagerstatter encourages us all to ask, If we are opposed to the powers of evil, what does it really look like for us to say no to them? What does it actually look like for people of faith today to noncooperate with the powers and principalities? Blessings and joy, Matt Guynn On

IRAQ REFLECTION: Anger, forgiveness, and healing

2007-05-31T12:28:00.001-04:00

Friends, Here is a reflection from Peggy Faw Gish, a Church of the Brethren member and part of the Christian Peacemaker Team is Iraq. How are anger, forgiveness, and healing playing out in your life today? Blessings, Matt Guynn On Earth Peace CPTnet 31 May 2007 IRAQ REFLECTION: Anger, forgiveness, and healing by Peggy Gish We were Sunni Muslim, Yezidi, and Christian--two CPTers, and two

May 16-17 Networking Calls: Positive Alternatives to the Military

2007-05-09T19:31:00.000-04:00

HELLO FRIENDS! "It's encouraging to know there are people around the country facing the same things I am, and to hear how they are responding!" -- recent call participant On Earth Peace's Encountering Recruitment Network is a way that many individuals and congregations across the country have gotten support and inspiration to help organize for positive alternatives to the military for youth.

Mining Strike in Peru

2007-05-04T12:55:00.001-04:00

Dear friends, Welcome to our ten new list members! This article reports 35,000-40,000 miners in Peru joining a strike this week. Think for just a second about the effort it would take to organize that many people to do anything! Taking a stand for peace is not just about having the "right" moral positions. It's learning what we need to learn in order to mobilize tens of thousands of people.

Nonviolent Action to End Funding for the War in Iraq

2007-03-30T11:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Sisters and Brothers, There is a vibrant and grassroots campaign in swing to pressure Congress to end funding for the war. Given the votes this week, let's hope that their ears may be at least pricking up a little. You can find reports about many local campaigns and activities by visiting the website for The Occupation Project: A Campaign of Sustained Nonviolent Civil Disobedience

Blind advocates protest in Tallahassee, Florida

2007-03-27T13:24:00.001-04:00

Sisters and brothers, Greetings to the more than ten new members to the list in the last few days. . . & thanks to Pace e Bene for this news item! ~Matt Guynn Blind advocates protest in Tallahassee today The News-Press March 22, 2007 TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA About 50 advocates for the blind and visually impaired converge on the Capitol today with a mission to lobby for more services and protest

March 27-28 truth-in-recruiting networking calls

2007-03-19T20:35:00.000-04:00

Hello friends, Truth-in-recruiting efforts present "the rest of the story" to young people who are thinking about joining the military, but who may not know all their rights or options. At its best, it combines an emphasis on limiting the access of military recruiters to our communities with presenting positive alternatives to young people and helping them find a life with meaning -- not in

Greenham Common Womens' Peace Camp

2007-03-08T16:06:00.001-05:00

Friends, Happy International Womens' Day! To commemorate, I am sending you the story of the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp, and amazing story of twenty years of resistance during the 1980s and 1990s. Blessings on all women reading this, and all women in our lives, Matt Guynn On Earth Peace Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp Sarah Hipperson http://www.greenhamwpc.org.uk/ On the 5th

Mother's Day: Stand in the Park for Peace

2007-03-06T14:57:00.001-05:00

Brothers and sisters, I received this today. Do you have plans for Mother's Day yet? Maybe you will choose to stand in a local park as a sign of your concern for peace! For your interest, I've included Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day declaration (1870) at the bottom of this message. To read a brief history of the feminist and peace-oriented origins of Mother's Day, please visit about.com.

Shareholder activism on salaries for corporate executives

2007-03-06T14:56:00.000-05:00

Friends, Shareholder activism is a significant path to curbing corporations in their unfettered search for profit. Brethren Benefit Trust, an organization providing financial services to Church of the Brethren employees and members, currently manages investments of $415 million on behalf of members. BBT has a commitment to gentle and persistent activism on behalf of their shareholders,

Indonesia Catholic Church Promotes Training in Active Nonviolence

2007-03-02T11:12:00.000-05:00

Hello sisters and brothers, Thanks to our friends at Pace e Bene Nonviolence News Service for this inspiring article! If you are interested in training in active nonviolence from a Christian perspective, let me know. That is part of On Earth Peace´s work, and we can provide it or refer you to our allies and partners who also offer such training. Blessings on you, Matt Guynn coordinator of

HEBRON/ AT-TUWANI URGENT ACTION: Stop construction of wall in Bi'lin

2007-03-02T11:02:00.001-05:00

CPTnet 1 March 2007 HEBRON/ AT-TUWANI URGENT ACTION: Stop construction of wall in Bi'lin Please sign the online petition against the construction of the separation wall in the Palestinian village of Bi'lin, found at www.petitiononline.com/Bilin/petition.html The current route of the wall will gobble up over half of the village's land, stifling its agricultural economy. The Israeli government

Useful strategy pamphlet

2007-03-02T11:01:00.000-05:00

Friends, In case you haven't yet seen it, please check out the strategy pamphlet recently written by Beyond the Choir. It is a provocative and thoughtful read about how the anti-war movement can be more powerful and effective in 2007. Whether or not you are actively participating in anti-war organizing, it also contains very insightful and useful concepts about how social change happens,

European church representatives committed to overcome violence

2007-02-23T10:07:00.001-05:00

World Council of Churches - News Release Contact: +41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org For immediate release - 19/02/2007 12:12:04 PM EUROPEAN CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTED TO OVERCOME VIOLENCE "Make me a channel of your peace" was the theme for a celebration of common commitment to overcome violence at a gathering of Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Protestant church

Water Buffalo Theology

2007-02-14T13:01:00.000-05:00

Sisters and brothers, Many faith communities raise money during their high holidays to support projects like Heifer International. Heifer addresses poverty and hunger issues around the world by sending live animals for agricultural work or for the production of milk, eggs, or meat; you can support them by donating money sufficient for a goat, a hive of bees, or a cow (for example). You can

February 28: Counter-recruitment networking calls

2007-02-12T21:00:00.001-05:00

Hello friends, Every six to eight weeks, On Earth Peace sponsors conference calls for individuals and groups who are doing truth-in-recruitment organizing, or who want to get started. Since April 2005, more than 70 people have participated, from coast to coast. Can you join us this month? The calls' purposes are 1) to learn from each other and grow in strategic reflection about our work, 2) to

WASH, DC -- Christian Peace Witness, March 16

2007-01-31T15:47:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, Please put March 15-17 on your calendar as a time to consider traveling to Washington, DC, to join in a Christian peace witness against the war and in favor of a just rebuilding for Iraq. As the invitation reads, "We believe that until the Christian community is willing to take risks for peace, to put its words into action, to publicly witness that the war in Iraq is wrong,

Walk to End the Wars: Coming to a Town Near You?

2007-01-31T15:44:00.000-05:00

Friends, I received this from list member Anne Herman. She writes: I have attached an article about someone who is walking across the country to end war. He would like to be in contact with people along the way. Would there be folks along his route who would be willing to be his contacts? His trip information is posted on the website mentioned in the article. Then should contact

AT-TUWANI REFLECTION: Clowns and soldiers

2007-01-31T12:47:00.000-05:00

Hello friends, Here's a reflection from Church of the Brethren member Art Gish, who is currently working with CPT in Palestine. It's a strong contrast, isn't it: Soldiers vs. clowns? "Fools for Christ," anyone? May we invoke wonder and delight! Matt Guynn On Earth Peace CPTnet 31 January 2007 AT-TUWANI REFLECTION: Clowns and soldiers by Art Gish On 18 January, Israeli peace activists

COLOMBIA REFLECTION: We are here to listen

2007-01-24T12:55:00.000-05:00

Friends, Welcome to the those who joined the Peace Witness Action list over the weekend! We are now 630 strong! Here is an item from Christian Peacemaker Teams, a reflection about work in Colombia. This story provokes: How might you be led to speak up about the military's presence or influence in your own community? What might you accomplish with gentle presence, committed listening and

"I saw my dad at a checkpoint this morning."

2007-01-17T16:36:00.000-05:00

Friends, This reflection comes from Krista Dutt of the First Chicago Church of the Brethren. Krista is part of the On Earth Peace - Christian Peacemaker Teams delegation that is currently traveling in the West Bank/Israel. The delegation continues until the 22nd of January. If you are so moved, would you pray for them and for the Israeli/Palestinian situation, either privately or while with

2007-01-05T14:05:00.000-05:00

Friends,Here's a reflection from Peggy Gish on the Christian Peacemaker Team in Iraq.Matt GuynnOn Earth PeaceCPTnet5 January 2006IRAQ REFLECTION: Christmas and New Years in Suleimaniyaby Peggy GishShoppers swarmed into downtown Suleimaniya over the past two weeks.Shops displayed artificial Christmas trees and decorations, as well as felt Santa hats with flashing lights. Here Santa in known as "

On Shuhada Street

2006-12-22T10:14:00.000-05:00

Friends,Two items today about Shuhada Street, a thoroughfare which is a site of conflict and controversy in Hebron, in occupied Palestine. There has been a Christian Peacemaker Team in Hebron for about ten years. Both items come from Church of the Brethren members who have spent significant time as CPTers on Shuhada Street: Rick Polhamus and Art Gish.Peace be with you,Matt GuynnOn Earth

Advocacy response to immigration raids in Minnesota

2006-12-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

Greetings sisters and brothers,This comes from list member Myrna Frantz of Marshalltown, Iowa. Myrna writes: Please share this information from the Mennonites with the On Earth Peace list. I had to get this mailing through Church and Peace via Germany. We are not getting news in Marshalltown of what is happening across the state. We need to be united on this. Thank you. There are

Man Who Helped Broker Gang Truce Gunned Down

2006-12-06T14:52:00.000-05:00

Hero Fund Established In Peace Activist's NameSource: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/10470150/detail.htmlBOSTON -- Religious leaders joined together Tuesday to announce the creation of a fund that would continue the work of a young peace activist who was unable to escape street violence.NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that Jahmol Norfleet was one of the key figures in brokering a gang

America's Tradition of Dissent Unites Disparate Voices Into Powerful

2006-12-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

Friends,Let us take inspiration from these four figures, modern-day heros and sheros for dissent and progressive social change.May we express dissent with creativity and deep power,Matt GuynnOn Earth Peacep.s. thanks to Pace e Bene's Nonviolence News Service for this item!America's Tradition of Dissent Unites Disparate Voices Into Powerful Force for Change Delaware News-Journalby Victor

Protest Forces Israel to Call Off Gaza Airstrike

2006-11-29T14:32:00.000-05:00

Hello friends, Here's the fascinating story of nonviolent defense of a home by Palestinians. This is a tactic similar to that often used by Christian Peacemaker Teams to prevent or delay home demolition, but in this case it is a broader community response -- Here's a note from a mentor of mine, nonviolent activist George Lakey, who shared the article with me: It's a great example of NV

From Pit Bull to Peacemaker

2006-11-29T13:11:00.001-05:00

Friends, I received the following reflection from Peacemaker Ministries, which you can find at www.peacemaker.net. They describe themselves in this way: Peacemaker Ministries was founded in 1982 by a group of pastors, lawyers, and business people who wanted to encourage and assist Christians to respond to conflict biblically. Since then we have developed educational resources, seminars, and

December Counter-recruitment Networking Calls

2006-11-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

Dear fellow shalom workers, As you may know, military recruiters are active in most communities in the United States. Reports show that they regularly exaggerate their offers and make subtly misleading agreements with young people. There is a vibrant movement emerging to present positive alternatives to the militarization of youth -- just google "counter-recruitment" and you will see what I

Catholics, Methodists 'picket' with powdered milk packets

2006-11-15T12:49:00.000-05:00

Friends, This item comes from UCAN, the Union of Catholic Asian News. Blessings, Matt Guynn On Earth Peace UCAN: Catholics, Methodists 'picket' with powdered milk packets http://www.ucanews.com/ 11/15/2006 UCANews COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (UCAN) Wearing black "Stop Starvation" headbands, Catholic and Methodist priests and laypeople recently overran the main post office here to draw attention

Prayer service to tout nonviolence

2006-11-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

Friends, Are there prayer services called for where you are related to an current issue of violence? Do you have stories about prayer services or vigils you have planned? Please send them to me for wider distribution! Matt http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/news/local/16016002.htm Prayer service to tout nonviolence BY ASHLEY TUSAN JOYNER Belleville (Illinois) News-Democrat

Food and Clothing, Cattle and Love

2006-11-15T09:29:00.000-05:00

Dear friends, This item may be of particular interest to members of the Church of the Brethren! I know that many congregations are raising money for Heifer International during the Christmas season. Is yours? As you promote Heifer's work in your congregation, you may wish to order a copy of On Earth Peace's new documentary, "Food and Clothing, Cattle and Love: Brethren Service in Europe

100 Niger Delta Militants Graduate From Non-Violence Programme

2006-11-10T03:45:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the Pace e Bene Nonviolence News service referring me to this story! -Matt 100 Niger Delta Militants Graduate From Non-Violence Programme AllAfrica.com November 6, 2006 NIGERIA - In a bid to rid the Niger Delta region of violence and youth restivessness, over a hundred youths selected from the creeks in the region graduated from the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN)'

Millions for Millions

2006-11-10T01:33:00.000-05:00

Friends, A couple of weeks ago I sent a story about Muhammad Yunus winning the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. Here is an article from the New Yorker which provides a more in-depth look at what is involved with micro-credit. You can also read the article online at http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/061030fa_fact1 This story was referred to me by the pastor of a local Friends Meeting

Nonviolence conference in Amman, Jordan

2006-11-09T14:05:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,In the midst of heartbreaking news of violence, there are seeds and signs of another possible reality.Enjoy this story from yesterday's Christian Science Monitor!Blessings,Matt GuynnOn Earth PeaceHELENA COBBAN: Nonviolence can work wonders - even in the Middle EastThe Christian Science Monitor(Published: November 8, 2006)AMMAN, Jordan (CSM) - It was an extraordinary gathering. For

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: We were the unlikeliest lot

2006-11-03T10:18:00.000-05:00

Friends --Here is a report from the recent Christian Peacemaker Teams Women's Delegation to the Democractic Republic of Congo. You can find relevant maps on our blog at www.nonviolencenews.blogspot.com, embedded in the item I sent previously announcing this delegation.Blessings,Matt GuynnOn Earth PeaceCPTnet ~ www.cpt.org1 November 2006DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: We were the unlikeliest

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Women's Christian Peacemaker delegation

2006-10-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

Friends,Please pause for a moment in prayer for this women's delegation currently traveling in the Democractic Republic of the Congo.Yours,Matt GuynnOn Earth PeaceCPTnet ~ www.cpt.org23 October 2006 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Women's Christian Peacemaker delegation arrives On 20 October 2006, eleven members of a delegation sponsored by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) arrived in the Democratic

not some optional accessory in Christian living

2006-10-24T14:22:00.000-04:00

The peace witness along with the nonviolent struggle for justice is not some optional accessory in Christian living. It has to do with living out in frail human response an intimation of what Jesus lived out in going to his death for our salvation.- Dale AukermanThanks to Sojourners (www.sojo.net) and to PWAL member Illana Naylor for raising up this quote from Church of the Brethren peace

10080 Minutes in Paradise: Reflections from an ecumenical accompanier

2006-10-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

Dear sisters, brothers, friends,This reflection comes from Michael Oliphant, a member of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program for Palestine and Israel ( http://www.eappi.org/). EAPPI has as its mission : "to accompany Palestinians and Israelis in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation. Participants of the programme are monitoring and reporting violations

Muhammad Yunus wins 2006 Nobel Peace Prize

2006-10-19T14:35:00.000-04:00

From www.nobelprize.org The Nobel Peace Prize for 2006 The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006, divided into two equal parts, to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. Lasting peace can not be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty.

De-cruiter wins Long Haul Prize

2006-10-18T09:33:00.000-04:00

Friends,This article from the San Francisco Chronicle strikes me for a couple of reasons. What a great idea to have a Long Haul Prize for dedicated peacemakers! And I love the term "de-cruiter." In addition, I really appreciate Stinson's perspective of training high school students at five high schools to do counter-recruitment tabling -- that's the kind of organizing that I aspire to.May

James Lawson's Return to Vanderbilt

2006-10-17T17:35:00.000-04:00

Dear friends,Here's an item on James Lawson from a recent issue of the New York Times.As a field organizer for the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Lawson was a significant force in training and organizing across the south in the era of the Civil Rights Movement. He has continued as a leader in nonviolence education through his life, most recently through monthly workshops in Los Angeles.

October 18 6PM EASTERN / Encountering Recruitment Networking Call

2006-10-13T18:07:00.000-04:00

On Earth Peace ~ Peace Witness Action List www.nonviolencenews.blogspot.com (please forward widely) October 13, 2006 October 2006 Encountering Recruitment Networking Call Greetings, friends! Every six to eight weeks, On Earth Peace sponsors a networking call for anyone working on truth-in-recruitment organizing, especially focused on supporting those working from the basis of Christian faith

COLOMBIA: CPTers accompany mining region residents after assassination

2006-10-03T10:25:00.000-04:00

CPTnet 29 September 2006 COLOMBIA: CPTers accompany mining region residents who demand justice after assassination, other military abuses After months of increasing military presence in their communities, 1300 miners, their families and other residents of Colombia's Southern Bolivar region are in a tense standoff with civilian and military authorities. The act that turned simmering discontent

STOP D.U. Campaign Hits the Road

2006-09-26T12:31:00.000-04:00

Friends, A movement is afoot to stop the production and use of depleted uranium weapons -- Please visit the STOP DU website at http://www.stop-du.org/. The effort, which happens to have a strong core of Church of the Brethren participants, is affiliated with Christian Peacemaker Teams - Northern Indiana, a regional group of CPT. Here's a description of their work, from their website: The

Methodists protest Iraq war

2006-09-25T17:18:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, sisters, brothers, Last week I alerted you to the upcoming Declaration of Peace. Here's a first news bulletin about related events. May we each accept and uncover our own call to "prophetic responsibility" (below). Blessings and respect, Matt Methodists protest Iraq warfrom www.ReligionAndSpirituality.com - a service of United Press International WASHINGTON, September 22 (UPI)

All Saints Episcopal continues to resist IRS

2006-09-22T18:43:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, A special hello to the more than 40 new members of the list this week, many from the recent Church of the Brethren National Older Adult Conference! Here is the latest news from All Saints Episcopal in Pasadena, CA. You may remember that I've previously shared news of their case. As a result of an anti-war sermon in 2004, their tax-exempt status is being strongly questioned by

IRAQ: Muslim Peacemaker Teams holds on to a vision of peace

2006-09-13T17:31:00.000-04:00

CPTnet13 September 2006IRAQ: Muslim Peacemaker Teams holds on to a vision of peaceby Peggy Gish"With an organization linking peace and environmental issues, we took a survey of 5,000 people concerning the dangers of small weapons. We put children's pictures, showing the problems of weapons, in galleries and displayed them at the Cairo conference on banning small arms. Now I hope to start a camp

Remembering the Nonviolent 9/11

2006-09-12T14:16:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, Too many news stories glorifying the US and justifying war as a way to remember 9/11? Here's an essay on remembering the September 11, *1906*, the day that Mohandas Gandhi joined others to declare the intention to resist unjust laws imposed by the government of South Africa. May we each continue to seek the Truth Force which Gandhi pointed toward, "that both binds people

Archbishop Shorn and Anointed in preparation for prayer and fasting

2006-09-08T17:18:00.000-04:00

ACNS 4176 | ENGLAND | 15 AUGUST 2006Archbishop Shorn and Anointed in preparation for prayer and fastingThe Archbishop of York had his head shaved and anointed with oil during the Sunday morning act of worship at York Minster.The acts of preparation came as the Most Revd Dr John Sentamu began a seven - day fast and prayer vigil for the Middle East.After the service the Archbishop entered the tent

COLOMBIA: CPTers accompany demonstration at ECOPETROL

2006-09-08T17:17:00.000-04:00

CPTnet 7 September 2006 COLOMBIA: CPTers accompany demonstration at ECOPETROL On 25 August 2006, CPTers Julian Gutierrez and Kim Lamberty participated in a demonstration along with several hundred other people at an ECOPETROL operational center in the township of Centro, located just outside Barrancabermeja. ECOPETROL is the state-owned gas and petroleum company. Participants gathered to show

Nonviolent Resistance in Israel

2006-08-12T09:50:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, sisters, brothers, Thanks to list member Kristen Barker, for this series of nuggets about nonviolent resistance within Israel to the war in Lebanon and the Occupation of Palestine. Blessings on the many forms of creative resistance to injustice. Blessings on your hearts which resist injustice from their loving depths. Blessings on your ingenuity in finding your own ways to speak

Counter-recruitment networking call; Tues Aug 15, 6:00PM Eastern

2006-08-08T15:04:00.000-04:00

Dear friends: Are you concerned about the presence of military recruiters in your community -- or the lack of jobs and alternative sources of direction and guidance for young people? Are you involved, or would you like to get involved, with raising up alternatives and helping more young people find the paths that lead to life? On Earth Peace ( www.onearthpeace.org) is a peace education and

Mubarak Awad launches hunger strike for ceasefire

2006-08-02T10:48:00.000-04:00

Dear friends,Welcome to all the new members in the last few days! I pray that the Peace Witness Action List is a blessing and an inspiration to you.Mubarak Awad, who is initiating this hunger strike, is a Palestinian Christian, the founder of the Palestinian Centre for the Study of Nonviolence (whose work is now continued by the Holy Land Trust). After being expelled by Israel in 1988, he

Christian Peacemaker Teams urges halt to US support for Israeli

2006-08-01T12:33:00.000-04:00

CPTnet ~ www.cpt.org29 July 2006CHICAGO: CPTers urge halt on U.S. funding of Israeli aggression in Lebanonand GazaOn Monday 24 July, Chicago police arrested six CPT members as they appealed for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel in the office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.More than forty-five CPTers, CPT training participants and supporters gathered for prayer outside the Israeli Consulate,

Brethren receives posthumous pardon for WWI sedition charge

2006-07-31T21:39:00.000-04:00

Brethren minister among group pardoned for (WWI) sedition convictionsSource: Church of the Brethren Newsline, July 19, 2006www.brethren.orgA Church of the Brethren minister is among 78 people granted pardons for sedition convictions in Montana during World War I, the fruit of a Sedition Pardons Project at the University of Montana. The project was directed by Clemens P. Work, professor of media

Bureau of Indian Affairs: Federal Judge Removed After Speaking Out

2006-07-20T07:29:00.000-04:00

Judge Who Ruled Government Accountable for Indian Trust Malfeasance RemovedFCNL Praises Judge Royce LamberthJuly 12, 2006 www.fcnl.orgThe U.S. Court of Appeals decision to remove District Court Justice Royce Lamberth from the Indian trust fund mismanagement case presents a new challenge for efforts to win justice for Native Americans, the Friends Committee on National Legislation said today.Over

DR Congo: Guns for Bikes

2006-07-14T12:43:00.000-04:00

DR Congo backs 'guns for bikes' Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5180144.stm A scheme under which gunmen in the Democratic Republic of Congo are given bicycles in exchange for their weapons is being extended due to its success. Ngoy Mulunda, a pastor in the south-eastern Katanga region, says he has been given some 6,500 weapons in the past year, which he has destroyed. The

The one who walked away

2006-07-13T16:15:00.000-04:00

Sisters, brothers, and all gentle & fierce souls: This article describes the work of a violence reduction program in South Bend, Indiana, called CeaseFire. It's success seems to be attributable to the combination of a clear mission, creative program, the right people and the right time. Might a similar program make sense in your area? If so, contact me for help getting started. Are you

CPT & Mennonite delegates call for end to Canadian secret trials

2006-07-13T16:09:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, WELCOME to all the new members of the Peace Witness Action List who signed up at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference last week! Here's an Anabaptist peacemaking news item from Alberta! I especially appreciated the mention of Anabaptist spiritual disciplines below. . . What is the difference for you between peacemaking/truth telling/economic sharing as *

Hunger Strike to End War

2006-06-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

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

US Army 1st Lt refuses Iraq deployment

2006-06-23T16:26:00.000-04:00

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

Church criticizes National Day of Prayer in Zimbabwe

2006-06-23T13:36:00.000-04:00

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

South Dakota: Protecting Bear Butte

2006-06-23T13:35:00.000-04:00

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

The Right of Resistance

2006-06-21T15:42:00.000-04:00

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/

Mideast Peace Prayers: Daily at 5:00

2006-06-21T14:23:00.000-04:00

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 GuynnOn Earth

Encountering Military Recruitment: June 20 & 22 networking calls

2006-06-19T10:57:00.001-04:00

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

Sanctuary for servicepeople who are conscientious objectors to Iraq war

2006-06-19T10:57:00.000-04:00

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

"Ring in Remembrance," June 24-26

2006-06-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

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

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

2006-06-09T18:00:00.000-04:00

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

Message of forgiveness makes it through on CNN

2006-06-09T17:51:00.000-04:00

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.

Encountering Military Recruitment: Getting Involved & Getting Connected

2006-06-09T17:49:00.001-04:00

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

White House Pray-In:

2006-06-09T17:49:00.000-04:00

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

Two Iraq-era Christian conscientious objectors

2006-06-06T15:27:00.000-04:00

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

Have you called about the School of the Americas?

2006-06-05T17:08:00.000-04:00

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