Join Pax Christi Metro DC at the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq
We invite you to join thousands in a “Christian Peace Witness for Iraq.” As followers of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, our faith compels us to make our voice heard?to repent of our complicity with the invasion and occupation of Iraq and to renew our commitment to peacemaking. We ask you to join us in praying for peace, studying the scriptures, learning nonviolence, lighting candles of hope, and gathering together for an ecumenical public witness on March 16, 2007, the fourth anniversary of the war in Iraq. We stand in solidarity with sisters and brothers in other faith traditions and ask their prayers and support for our witness.Just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem because it did not know the things that make for peace, we weep over Washington, D.C., because of the tremendous human suffering and loss of life that have resulted from our government’s policies toward Iraq. We are convinced that peace in Iraq cannot be won militarily. It is time to bring the troops home and to support a comprehensive peace process there.
We believe, with Martin Luther King, Jr., that “the ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. … Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. … The chain reaction of evil?hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars?must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”
Event Schedule
Pre-Witness Events: Stay tuned ?We are planning nonviolence training and other workshops related to the five affirmations in our Invitation to Participate.
Worship: We begin with ecumenical worship at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night, March 16, at the National Cathedral. This worship will be the heart of our Christian Peace Witness for Iraq, for we know that worship builds up the entire body of Christ so that we might make a difference in the world because of who Jesus calls us to be. The liturgy will intentionally embrace the rich variety of worship experiences available to us across our religious traditions.
Unfortunately, seating for the worship service at the National Cathedral is limited and online registration is required. In order to assure seats to all who register, we’re requesting that you print the confirmation page that will appear after you click [RSVP] and bring it with you to the worship service. We will collect your confirmation page at the door of the Cathedral prior to the service. Please plan to arrive at the Cathedral no later than 6:30 pm on Friday, March 16. Thank you for you understanding and cooperation!
Procession: Following our time of worship, there will be a procession down Massachusetts Avenue to the White House. The walk is approximately two and a half miles, and bus transportation will be provided for those who desire it. (Approximate time: 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
Public Witness at the White House: There will be a late-night gathering and Christian Witness in Lafeyette Park in front of the White House. Plans are underway, and more information will follow. Come dressed for the weather (whatever it is) and plan to be with thousands of other Christians like you who also long for a chance to publicly affirm the core values of our faith.
Post-Witness Events: Stay tuned?There is some talk of organizing and strategy sessions to be offered by a variety of our partner organizations.
