Christian Peace Witness For Iraq E-Newsletter

Newsletter
Mar 19, 2008

Sisters and brothers in Christ,

Today, on the fifth anniversary of the United States' invasion of Iraq, we join you in praying and acting for peace:

• for the people of Iraq, whether yet living in their homes, displaced within the country or surviving in refugee camps;
• for the soldiers of many nations, including the United States, who are present in the country or recovering in their home communities, and for their families;
• for the leaders of our countries, that they learn peace comes through right relationships, not through war and violence.

Many of you are participating in local events around this fifth anniversary. In the last three weeks, 75 events have been listed on our website!. We send warm blessings to all of you for your planning and for bringing the message of Christian peace to your communities. May you continue to have the time and energy to witness faithfully to the Prince of peace.

The Spirit blew mightily through our events in Washington, D.C., March 6-8. Youngsters learned at nonviolence trainings; adults sang and prayed and heard sermons and the stories of people who have touched the wounds of this war: aid workers with refugees, peacemakers living in Iraq, soldiers who have served in Iraq and families of soldiers who died.

Yes, we were drenched by the rain. But Rev. James Forbes encouraged us, "Let's call them showers of blessing!" The interfaith group that met with Senator Reid's high-level aides gave us this hope, "Your cards and letters to end this war MATTER. Your attendance at peace events is noticed. Your political theatre and arrests change the conversation of our country. You have authenticity because you are not Democrat or Republican, but a moral voice. You have more power than you realize-your muscles are strong!"

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• Stories

We've caught our breath the past week or so and begun adding up the bills. Unfortunately, we owe close to $10,000 more than we currently have. (You can imagine our sinking feeling as bill after bill is a bit larger than the original estimate.) Will you help us continue to bring Christians together to boldly speak Christ's peace to our country and world? Can part of your fifth-year commemoration include a donation to continue the voice of Christian Peace Witness for Iraq? Please donate now.

Thanks for your continued witness, for your prayers and actions for peace.

Steering Committee and Partners for Christian Peace Witness for Iraq