Wednesday, January 11, 2006
[22.50 GMT] Laughter in the Face of Severity (Embassy, Canada) - an article by Greg Rollins of CPT. Well worth reading. UK officer slams US Iraq tactics and Enduring symbol: Guantanamo Bay still courts controversy, four years on (both BBC, UK); Memorial service planned for man believed to have been killed in Iraq (Bismarck Tribune, USA).
[286.1] FACING UP TO REALITY WITH HOPE
Among the questions flying round about Christian peacemaking theology and tactics in the light of the current situation in Iraq is the question of appropriate realism - the need for an honest account of what is going on, unswayed by wishful thinking, upon which to ground further response. CPT are naturally and rightly keen to avoid too much idle speculation, which is an ever-present possibilkity in the absence of hard news. But in his article Still marching into hell?, Ron Kraybill (associate professor of conflict studies in the Conflict Transformation Programme, now called the Centre for Justice and Peacebuilding, at Eastern Mennonite University in the USA) writes:
A lifetime in peace negotiations has given me considerable exposure to insurgency movements. The past never fully predicts the future, but it often offers useful pointers. Here is what we can say about those fighting against the United States in Iraq and what patterns of the past suggest we can expect [continued in full].
Ron has lived in South Africa and India, and has been an advisor and trainer in peace processes throughout the world. He formerly served as training director at the Centre for Conflict Resolution in South Africa and as director of Mennonite Conciliation Service in the US. To get on a free listserve posting occasional essays by Dr Kraybill, send a note to him. More of his articles on Ekklesia: Towards repairing the ancient ruins - Jan 4, 2005; What to expect after Falluja - Nov 12, 2004]
CJP's philosophy: Open to people from all parts of the world and all religious traditions, the Centre for Justice and Peacebuilding builds upon EMU's Christian/Anabaptist faith commitments and strengths. The rigours of academic specialization are combined with practical preparation for a life of nonviolence, witness, service, and peacebuilding in the larger society and world. The program also builds upon Mennonite domestic and international service experience in disaster response, humanitarian relief, restorative justice and socioeconomic development.
EMU offers the soulspace resource online, for rooting a life of action in prayer and reflection based on the life, companionship, action and call of Jesus. See also Leonard L. Vander Zee's Prisoners of Hope.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
Among the questions flying round about Christian peacemaking theology and tactics in the light of the current situation in Iraq is the question of appropriate realism - the need for an honest account of what is going on, unswayed by wishful thinking, upon which to ground further response. CPT are naturally and rightly keen to avoid too much idle speculation, which is an ever-present possibilkity in the absence of hard news. But in his article Still marching into hell?, Ron Kraybill (associate professor of conflict studies in the Conflict Transformation Programme, now called the Centre for Justice and Peacebuilding, at Eastern Mennonite University in the USA) writes:A lifetime in peace negotiations has given me considerable exposure to insurgency movements. The past never fully predicts the future, but it often offers useful pointers. Here is what we can say about those fighting against the United States in Iraq and what patterns of the past suggest we can expect [continued in full].
Ron has lived in South Africa and India, and has been an advisor and trainer in peace processes throughout the world. He formerly served as training director at the Centre for Conflict Resolution in South Africa and as director of Mennonite Conciliation Service in the US. To get on a free listserve posting occasional essays by Dr Kraybill, send a note to him. More of his articles on Ekklesia: Towards repairing the ancient ruins - Jan 4, 2005; What to expect after Falluja - Nov 12, 2004]
CJP's philosophy: Open to people from all parts of the world and all religious traditions, the Centre for Justice and Peacebuilding builds upon EMU's Christian/Anabaptist faith commitments and strengths. The rigours of academic specialization are combined with practical preparation for a life of nonviolence, witness, service, and peacebuilding in the larger society and world. The program also builds upon Mennonite domestic and international service experience in disaster response, humanitarian relief, restorative justice and socioeconomic development.
EMU offers the soulspace resource online, for rooting a life of action in prayer and reflection based on the life, companionship, action and call of Jesus. See also Leonard L. Vander Zee's Prisoners of Hope.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
[04.45 GMT] 
Protests as US raids Sunni mosque in Iraq hostage search (Ekklesia, UK); Iraqi Muslims Call for End to Bloodshed (New York Newsday, NY, USA); Hunt on for US reporter taken hostage in Iraq (Dispatch Online, South Africa); Cost of Iraq war could top $2 trillion: study (Reuters); CPT in Iraq - overview and links; Amnesty calls on EU to press for closure of Guantanamo Bay (Khaleej Times, India); Force feeding Guantanamo? (Channel 4 News, UK); USA: Guantanamo Bay, New torture testimony released (Amnesty International UK).
Protests as US raids Sunni mosque in Iraq hostage search (Ekklesia, UK); Iraqi Muslims Call for End to Bloodshed (New York Newsday, NY, USA); Hunt on for US reporter taken hostage in Iraq (Dispatch Online, South Africa); Cost of Iraq war could top $2 trillion: study (Reuters); CPT in Iraq - overview and links; Amnesty calls on EU to press for closure of Guantanamo Bay (Khaleej Times, India); Force feeding Guantanamo? (Channel 4 News, UK); USA: Guantanamo Bay, New torture testimony released (Amnesty International UK).
[02.15 GMT] UPDATES: 
Australian Muslim seeks freedom for Christian Peacemakers (Ekklesia, UK). Also appealing on al-Jazeera over the last two days has been a friend of Harmeet Sooden who was a 'human' shield during the 2003 war. {Pic: Keysar Trad of the Islamic Frienship Association of Australia}
Meanwhile, President George Bush has not responded so far to requests from CPT to meet with him to discuss Iraq and the plight of detainees and hostages. Instead, in a high profile speech, he has told his political opponents that criticism of US policy in Iraq would give succour to the nation's enemies, re-emphasising his 'us' or 'them' approach to the issue.
Tonight BBC News 24 is running a feature on the regular kidnappings in Iraq - mostly carried out by criminal gangs and targeting Iraqis thmselves. They are running at an average of 40-a-day, and a special police unit has been established to investigate them. (This would appear to be the source of some misleading reports on Canadian sites last month, which suggested wrongly that a unit had been established for the CPT four. It was also wrongly reported that direct contact had been made with the kidnappers and that a 'local negotiator' had been abducted.)
Australian Muslim seeks freedom for Christian Peacemakers (Ekklesia, UK). Also appealing on al-Jazeera over the last two days has been a friend of Harmeet Sooden who was a 'human' shield during the 2003 war. {Pic: Keysar Trad of the Islamic Frienship Association of Australia}Meanwhile, President George Bush has not responded so far to requests from CPT to meet with him to discuss Iraq and the plight of detainees and hostages. Instead, in a high profile speech, he has told his political opponents that criticism of US policy in Iraq would give succour to the nation's enemies, re-emphasising his 'us' or 'them' approach to the issue.
Tonight BBC News 24 is running a feature on the regular kidnappings in Iraq - mostly carried out by criminal gangs and targeting Iraqis thmselves. They are running at an average of 40-a-day, and a special police unit has been established to investigate them. (This would appear to be the source of some misleading reports on Canadian sites last month, which suggested wrongly that a unit had been established for the CPT four. It was also wrongly reported that direct contact had been made with the kidnappers and that a 'local negotiator' had been abducted.)
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
[20.45] 
Hostage family uses radio ads (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand); Hunt on for kidnapped journalist (News24, South Africa); Journalist's kidnappers maintain silence (Sydney Morning Herald, Australia); US peace campaigner Cindy Sheehan writes memoir (Reuters AlertNet, UK); Bush to push Iraq strategy in bid to win message battle (Washington Times, DC, USA); new website dedicated to promoting Dr Martin Luther King Jr's World House vision and agenda. It includes articles, data, graphics, and action ideas, as well as instructions for building a World House display. {Pic: Harmeet Sooden, (c) CPT}
Hostage family uses radio ads (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand); Hunt on for kidnapped journalist (News24, South Africa); Journalist's kidnappers maintain silence (Sydney Morning Herald, Australia); US peace campaigner Cindy Sheehan writes memoir (Reuters AlertNet, UK); Bush to push Iraq strategy in bid to win message battle (Washington Times, DC, USA); new website dedicated to promoting Dr Martin Luther King Jr's World House vision and agenda. It includes articles, data, graphics, and action ideas, as well as instructions for building a World House display. {Pic: Harmeet Sooden, (c) CPT}
[03.30 GMT] US paper names seized reporter; US senior economist doubts Iraq war costs; Freed Iraq hostage 'fled captors' (all BBC News, UK).
[02.00 GMT] 
New call to impeach Blair over Iraq (Guardian, UK) - Tony Blair should be impeached over the Iraq war, according to one of Britain's most senior former soldiers, General Sir Michael Rose, who commanded United Nations forces in Bosnia. The journalist abducted in Iraq has been working for the Christian Science Monitor: Freelancer Jill Carroll was kidnapped in Baghdad Saturday morning. By Scott Peterson and Peter Ford (Christian Science Monitor, USA); Abducted reporter was living dream in Iraq. Ken Maguire (Associated Press); Public Interest Lawyers comment on Court of Appeal Verdict regarding the torture and abuse of Iraqi civilians in detention with UK Armed Forces. -- Pic: Jill Carroll (c) CSM.
New call to impeach Blair over Iraq (Guardian, UK) - Tony Blair should be impeached over the Iraq war, according to one of Britain's most senior former soldiers, General Sir Michael Rose, who commanded United Nations forces in Bosnia. The journalist abducted in Iraq has been working for the Christian Science Monitor: Freelancer Jill Carroll was kidnapped in Baghdad Saturday morning. By Scott Peterson and Peter Ford (Christian Science Monitor, USA); Abducted reporter was living dream in Iraq. Ken Maguire (Associated Press); Public Interest Lawyers comment on Court of Appeal Verdict regarding the torture and abuse of Iraqi civilians in detention with UK Armed Forces. -- Pic: Jill Carroll (c) CSM.
[285.1] PLEA FOR WALLED-OFF BETHLEHEM
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has urged Christians throughout the world to make efforts to visit Bethlehem as a place of pilgrimage and to remember the 'struggling' town in their prayers. {Picture: a security checkpoint and road block at the Bethehem wall}
In a letter presented to Dr Victor Batarseh, the Mayor of Bethlehem, marking the feast of the Epiphany, Dr Williams expressed his concern for the fate of the area.
"I am aware of the severe hardship which many are suffering; the decline of tourism, the difficulties of access and movement and the struggle to sustain the economic and social life of the city. I am distressed to hear that the current situation has prompted so many families, especially Christians, to leave the city and seek security and stability elsewhere. I have raised these concerns directly with the Israeli authorities."
Dr Williams said that Christians throughout the world could play their part: "I urge Christians worldwide to support your community, to visit you whenever possible and to pray for the people of Bethlehem that they may not be forgotten."
He continued: "We pray for the day when a just and lasting peace will be established in the region which will bring freedom, dignity and security to all the people of Bethlehem."
Further links here. Details here of Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation Living Stones Pilgrimages.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has urged Christians throughout the world to make efforts to visit Bethlehem as a place of pilgrimage and to remember the 'struggling' town in their prayers. {Picture: a security checkpoint and road block at the Bethehem wall}In a letter presented to Dr Victor Batarseh, the Mayor of Bethlehem, marking the feast of the Epiphany, Dr Williams expressed his concern for the fate of the area.
"I am aware of the severe hardship which many are suffering; the decline of tourism, the difficulties of access and movement and the struggle to sustain the economic and social life of the city. I am distressed to hear that the current situation has prompted so many families, especially Christians, to leave the city and seek security and stability elsewhere. I have raised these concerns directly with the Israeli authorities."
Dr Williams said that Christians throughout the world could play their part: "I urge Christians worldwide to support your community, to visit you whenever possible and to pray for the people of Bethlehem that they may not be forgotten."
He continued: "We pray for the day when a just and lasting peace will be established in the region which will bring freedom, dignity and security to all the people of Bethlehem."
Further links here. Details here of Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation Living Stones Pilgrimages.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
Monday, January 09, 2006
[20.45 GMT] 
Terror photos media warning (ic Liverpool, UK) - says research shows that the use of hostage photos in the media increases overall willingness to pay ransoms. Christian Peacemaker Teams is critical of them for a different reason: namely that it de-humanises both captives and captors, reinforcing a violent cycle whereby we are prepared to treat each other as objects rather than persons. Australian Muslim community joins 'Human Shield' in appeal for CPT four (Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand); Hebron: Israeli Military Arrests Christian Peacemaker Teams member (BBSNews, NC); Families plead for release of hostages (Gulf Times, Qatar).
Photo: David Coffey (right), general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and Graham Sparkes, head of BUGB's Faith and Unity Department, meet with Pat Kember, Norman's wife.
Terror photos media warning (ic Liverpool, UK) - says research shows that the use of hostage photos in the media increases overall willingness to pay ransoms. Christian Peacemaker Teams is critical of them for a different reason: namely that it de-humanises both captives and captors, reinforcing a violent cycle whereby we are prepared to treat each other as objects rather than persons. Australian Muslim community joins 'Human Shield' in appeal for CPT four (Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand); Hebron: Israeli Military Arrests Christian Peacemaker Teams member (BBSNews, NC); Families plead for release of hostages (Gulf Times, Qatar).Photo: David Coffey (right), general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and Graham Sparkes, head of BUGB's Faith and Unity Department, meet with Pat Kember, Norman's wife.
[09.40 GMT] US troops seize award-winning Iraqi journalist (Guardian, UK). American troops blast their way into the Baghdad home of an Iraqi journalist working for the Guardian and Channel 4 TV. Also: MPs leaked Bush plan to hit al-Jazeera.
[08.30 GMT] British diplomats continue Norman Kember search (Ekklesia, UK); Joy after hostage escapes but fears for Briton grow (Times Online, UK); Muslim Envoy May Return to Iraq for CPT Hostages (Christian Today, UK - taken from Ekklesia)
Sunday, January 08, 2006
[21.30 GMT] Comment from the Birmingham UK vigil for Norman Kember yesterday (Peace Church); "We Must Not Be Seduced Into Believing That They Are Invincible" says Peggy Gish of CPT on the climate of fear in Iraq created by kidnappings and political violence. (Cytations); First UK troops 'may leave Iraq' (BBC, UK).
[21.10 GMT] Attempts were being made last night to locate an American journalist who was kidnapped in Baghdad yesterday after a meeting with a senior Sunni politician. Her Iraqi Christian translator was killed, writes Ali Rifat. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the kidnapping in a statement posted on the internet. US authorities are not yet releasing the name of the journalist.
[12.00 GMT] 
LATEST - Muslim envoy may return to Iraq for CPT four (Ekklesia, EK) Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House programme this morning, Muslim Association of Britain envoy Anas Altikriti has said that he is considering returning to Iraq to negotiate further on behalf of Dr Norman Kember and three other Christian peace workers held captive there since November 2005.
Mr Altikriti, who was born in Iraq himself and has been active in the anti-war movement, went to the country in December 2005 to seek the release of the men – who have received unprecedented support from Muslims across the world. He was speaking after yesterday’s vigils for Norman Kember in Birmingham and London.
Along with Pax Christi general secretary Pat Gaffney, Mr Altikriti lamented lack of recent attention to the Iraq hostages in the mainstream media. Continued here in full.
LATEST - Muslim envoy may return to Iraq for CPT four (Ekklesia, EK) Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House programme this morning, Muslim Association of Britain envoy Anas Altikriti has said that he is considering returning to Iraq to negotiate further on behalf of Dr Norman Kember and three other Christian peace workers held captive there since November 2005.Mr Altikriti, who was born in Iraq himself and has been active in the anti-war movement, went to the country in December 2005 to seek the release of the men – who have received unprecedented support from Muslims across the world. He was speaking after yesterday’s vigils for Norman Kember in Birmingham and London.
Along with Pax Christi general secretary Pat Gaffney, Mr Altikriti lamented lack of recent attention to the Iraq hostages in the mainstream media. Continued here in full.
[11.10 GMT] Release of French engineer brings Iraq hostage hope (Ekklesia, UK). See also AP report on Guardian Unlimited. The fact that it has happened outside Abu Ghraib is especially poignant. This is a place where US forces carried out acts of torture and humiliation against detainees, as first revealed by Christian Peacemaker Teams. But it should not be forgotten that it was also a torture centre emplyed by Saddam Hussein, where up to 40,000 may have died since the 1980s.
[00.00 GMT] No word from hostage's kidnappers: McTeague (CTV.com, Canada) Missing in Iraq (ElectronicIraq); Support Harmeet Sooden (Peace Movement Aotearoa); Tom Fox updates.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
[21.15 GMT] 
Christian volunteers still captive in Iraq (Aljazeera.net, Qatar); Violence toll nears 200 amid Shiite backlash (Daily Review Online, CA, USA); Analysis: Surge in Iraq violence (BBC News, UK); Two Moms Go to Capitol Hill (CounterPunch, CA, USA); Foreign hostages still held captive or missing in Iraq (Turkish Press, MI, USA); Peacemakers deserve our prayers (Centre Daily Times, PA, USA); Pray for the four: Blessed are the Peacemakers (Pueblo Chieftain, CO, USA); IndyMedia: Audio interviews with the peace activists prevented from attending the Non-Violence Conference in Bethlehem.
Christian volunteers still captive in Iraq (Aljazeera.net, Qatar); Violence toll nears 200 amid Shiite backlash (Daily Review Online, CA, USA); Analysis: Surge in Iraq violence (BBC News, UK); Two Moms Go to Capitol Hill (CounterPunch, CA, USA); Foreign hostages still held captive or missing in Iraq (Turkish Press, MI, USA); Peacemakers deserve our prayers (Centre Daily Times, PA, USA); Pray for the four: Blessed are the Peacemakers (Pueblo Chieftain, CO, USA); IndyMedia: Audio interviews with the peace activists prevented from attending the Non-Violence Conference in Bethlehem.
[14.00 GMT] Journalist kidnapped in Iraq as friends pray for peace workers (Ekklesia) - a more detailed report than the wire stories, with background. See also: Christian Iraq.com; and news on Reporters Without Borders; First UK troops 'may leave Iraq', Iraq 'can deal with insurgency' (both BBC, UK).
[11.45 GMT] 
The vigil for Norman Kember and the four CPT captives in Iraq is underway in Birmingham. The London vigil in Trafalgar Square starts at 15.00 GMT. People are encouraged to join in where they are. Pat Kember's message calling for his release has been syndicated across the Muslim world in Arabic (pic). Meanwhile: Iraq Violence May Provoke Shiite Backlash (Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL, USA); and Female US journalist kidnapped in Baghdad (Malaysia Star, Malaysia, and Reuters syndication. Details emerging). "Unknown gunmen kidnapped a female U.S. journalist in Baghdad on Saturday after shooting dead her driver, police said. They said she had been on her way to a meeting with a Sunni Arab leader when she was kidnapped in the Adel district near Malik bin Anas mosque in west Baghdad. Immediately after the incident, American and Iraqi troops sealed off the area, witnesses said."
The vigil for Norman Kember and the four CPT captives in Iraq is underway in Birmingham. The London vigil in Trafalgar Square starts at 15.00 GMT. People are encouraged to join in where they are. Pat Kember's message calling for his release has been syndicated across the Muslim world in Arabic (pic). Meanwhile: Iraq Violence May Provoke Shiite Backlash (Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL, USA); and Female US journalist kidnapped in Baghdad (Malaysia Star, Malaysia, and Reuters syndication. Details emerging). "Unknown gunmen kidnapped a female U.S. journalist in Baghdad on Saturday after shooting dead her driver, police said. They said she had been on her way to a meeting with a Sunni Arab leader when she was kidnapped in the Adel district near Malik bin Anas mosque in west Baghdad. Immediately after the incident, American and Iraqi troops sealed off the area, witnesses said."
Friday, January 06, 2006
[17.30 GMT] Prayers continue for Iraq hostages (New Zealand Herald); TV appeal for release of Sooden (NZ City, New Zealand); Jesus vs George - a comparison (OpEdNews, USA).
[14.00 GMT] Birmingham inter-faith vigil for Kember and Iraq peace workers (Ekklesia, UK) -- note that the BBC West Midlands report on this spelt John Johansen-Berg's name incorrectly. Ex-hostage makes TV plea for release of New Zealand peace activist (TMCnet, NZ); The unrestrained president (Asia Times Online, Hong Kong); Terror and resistance (CounterCurrents.org, India); Christian Peacemakers plan White House prayer vigil (Christian Post, CA, USA); Working to free the Canadian hostages (Tandem, Canada); Peacemaking team plans White House prayer and fast (Spero News, USA - via Presbyterian Church).
[11.10 GMT] 
Norman Kember's wife in new TV appeal to Iraq captors - Ekklesia, UK, 06/01/06. Pat Kember, wife of 74-year-old Dr Norman Kember, one of four Christian peace workers kidnapped outside a mosque in Baghdad, Iraq, on 26 November 2005, has issued a further appeal for his release through the Arabic TV station al-Jazeera. Mrs Kember stresses that her husband, a retired doctor, went to Iraq to support the people there, along with three other activists – Tom Fox, Jim Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooden. She says that she is worried about his health, that the abduction is badly effecting the family, and that Dr Kember’s grandson Ben is constantly asking where he is. Continued here.
Norman Kember's wife in new TV appeal to Iraq captors - Ekklesia, UK, 06/01/06. Pat Kember, wife of 74-year-old Dr Norman Kember, one of four Christian peace workers kidnapped outside a mosque in Baghdad, Iraq, on 26 November 2005, has issued a further appeal for his release through the Arabic TV station al-Jazeera. Mrs Kember stresses that her husband, a retired doctor, went to Iraq to support the people there, along with three other activists – Tom Fox, Jim Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooden. She says that she is worried about his health, that the abduction is badly effecting the family, and that Dr Kember’s grandson Ben is constantly asking where he is. Continued here.
[09.30 GMT] Concerning speculation from New Zealand and Canada about who might have kidnapped the four CPTers and why, Christian Peacemaker Teams have written to a couple of the 'experts' (academics and commentators) involved to request that the refrain from further comment for the sake of the abductees. The advisors they work with have said that such speculation is unhelpful, "particularly because we do not know who is holding our friends nor with whom their captors may be linked."
Thursday, January 05, 2006
[10.00 GMT] 
Details of 7 January 2006 vigil for Norman Kember in London. The silent vigil will be between the hours of 3pm and 4pm (local time) at the North side of Trafalgar Square, opposite St-Martin-in-the-Fields Church. Epiphany peace prayer (foot of page) from MennoLink. See also Mennonite Peace and Justice Network vigil page. Incidentally, Norman would be amazed (and probably amused) to discover that he is now officially a 'celebrity', having featured in Hello! magazine. News/comment: Still no contact with Iraq kidnappers after 41 days (Canoe.ca, Canada); Resident still striving for peace (Fort Frances Times, Canada); Prayers continue for Iraq hostages (New Zealand Herald, New Zealand); We will kill our hostages, Sunni group warns Iran (Times Online, UK); Gaza anarchy: Freedom turns to fear as chaos spreads through the Strip; Bombers strike near Iraqi shrine (both BBC, UK); Canadian Muslims Appeal for Release of Iraq Hostages (Islam Online, Qatar); Muslim Canadian Congress statement and latest version of the online CPT petition in Arabic and English. [Picture: Norman and Pat Kember with Baptist Peace Fellowship members on a protest against the Iraq war in Hyde Park, London. c/o CPT]
Details of 7 January 2006 vigil for Norman Kember in London. The silent vigil will be between the hours of 3pm and 4pm (local time) at the North side of Trafalgar Square, opposite St-Martin-in-the-Fields Church. Epiphany peace prayer (foot of page) from MennoLink. See also Mennonite Peace and Justice Network vigil page. Incidentally, Norman would be amazed (and probably amused) to discover that he is now officially a 'celebrity', having featured in Hello! magazine. News/comment: Still no contact with Iraq kidnappers after 41 days (Canoe.ca, Canada); Resident still striving for peace (Fort Frances Times, Canada); Prayers continue for Iraq hostages (New Zealand Herald, New Zealand); We will kill our hostages, Sunni group warns Iran (Times Online, UK); Gaza anarchy: Freedom turns to fear as chaos spreads through the Strip; Bombers strike near Iraqi shrine (both BBC, UK); Canadian Muslims Appeal for Release of Iraq Hostages (Islam Online, Qatar); Muslim Canadian Congress statement and latest version of the online CPT petition in Arabic and English. [Picture: Norman and Pat Kember with Baptist Peace Fellowship members on a protest against the Iraq war in Hyde Park, London. c/o CPT]
[07.00 GMT] A Cult of Presidential Power by Tom Engelhardt (author of The End of Victory Culture). "While much has been made of feverish Christian fundamentalist support for the president, the real religious fervor in this administration has been almost singularly focused on the quite un-Christian attribute of total earthly power." Also Assyrian Christians in Iraq (FAQ); Crowd urged: Speak up for peace (Venice Gondolier, FL, USA).
[00.00GMT] New London vigil for Norman Kember announced for 7th January 2005. This article on Ekklesia contains full details, plus a link to the Oremus Epiphany liturgy.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
[20.00 GMT] Christian Peacemaker Teams seek meeting with President Bush (Ekklesia, UK). Supporters are encouraged to write respectfully to President George W. Bush asking him to meet with CPT. Mail: The White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA. Phone Numbers - Comments: 202-456-1111, Switchboard: 202-456-1414. Fax: 202-456-2461. E-Mail comments@whitehouse.gov. (Also: Iraq's deadliest day since poll , BBC, UK)
[19.30 GMT] The nearest we can get to hard news... Speculation continues over kidnapped peace workers in Iraq (Ekklesia, UK); Christian Peacemakers Fast, Wait For Meeting With President Bush (US Newswire, Washinton DC). See also Sudanese hostages safely home (News24, South Africa); Vigils Held at Home for Abducted Peace Activist (WJLA, Washington DC, USA); Review of Arab editorials (Middle East Times, Egypt);
[15.00 GMT] Christian Peacemaker Teams gear up for 'Shine the Light' campaign (CPT, USA); CPT Iraq watch on nonviolence.org; Good, regular coverage of Iraq on Freethecaptivesnow.org; A Face and a Name: Civilian Victims of Insurgent Groups in Iraq : A Report by Human Rights Watch; also: Indie Media radio interviews CPTer in Iraq.
[13.45 GMT] Peace activist will tell a different Iraq story (OregonLive.com, OR, USA); Bomber kills 30 at Iraq funeral (BBC, UK); Kidnappings Raise Tough Questions About Role of State (Deutsche Welle, Germany); Friends of Virginia hostage in Iraq still hopeful (Richmond Times Dispatch, VA, USA); With 4 Britons Released from Guantanamo, Activists Call for More (The NewStandard, NY, USA); Gunmen block Gaza crossing (BBC, UK).
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
[21.00 GMT] A time of prayer for peace in Iraq (Hendon & Finchley Times, UK); Not Even to Save Our Lives (Left Hook); Hostages: Close friend won't let Norman be forgotten (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, UK); Ransom deal 'likely' for Iraq hostages (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand); Fate of four peace activists kidnapped in Iraq unknown (New York Newsday, NY) Baptist World Alliance Head Calls for Continued Prayers for Iraq captives (Christian Post, CA) - again, taken from Ekklesia and re-written. However, Coffey was not speaking in his BWA capacity).
Monday, January 02, 2006
[11.30 GMT] Human rights worker in Gaza argued with captor over politics (Ekklesia, UK); Outpouring of support for hostages in Iraq gives families hope (Bradenton Herald, United States).
Sunday, January 01, 2006
[23.45 GMT] Middle East Christians and Muslims renew plea for Iraq captives, Ekklesia, 01/01/06; Italian man seized in Gaza freed (BBC News, UK).
[23.06 GMT] Iraq Hostages’ Families in Renewed Calls for their Safe Return (ChristianToday, UK) - cloned from Ekklesia.
[22.10 GMT] International expert says deafening silence from Iraq could be a good sign (TMCnet, New Zealand); 13 hostages set free in Middle East (Toronto Star, Canada); Peace team keeps faith under fire (Chicago Tribune, United States); Lothian relatives reveal joy at snatched family's release (Scotsman, United Kingdom).
Saturday, December 31, 2005
[09.40 GMT] Baptists urge support for Norman Kember 31/12/05 (includes full, updated index of CPT-related material on Ekklesia); New bomb blast threat to Christians in Indonesia 31/12/05; Freedom for Kate Burton comes with fresh threats 31/12/05.
Friday, December 30, 2005
[285.1] GOOD NEWS AT LAST FROM GAZA
Wonderful news came through less than an hour ago that Kate, Hugh and Win Burton have been released by their captors in Rafah, Gaza, after two days of no news and frantic diplomatic and security activity. There is, of course, no connection between this abduction and those of the four Christian Peacemaker Team activists in Iraq - but it will nevertheless be good and encouraging news in the midst of their continuing ordeal. The strenuous Muslim and Palestinian calls for the release of abductees have echoed once more across the region, and this will be picked up in Bagdhad and elsewhere as efforts to free Norman Kember, Tom Fox, Jim Loney and Hameet Singh Sooden go on.
I had an additional reason to be thankful, in that I have met Win several times. She worked for the European Union's 'Soul for Europe' programme in Brussels for a number of years, and cooperated with both ecumenical Christian organisations (including the one I worked for, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland) and various interfaith networks. A marvellous woman. She is pictured here with Michael Taylor, former Christian Aid director and professor of development studies at the University of Birmingham.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
Wonderful news came through less than an hour ago that Kate, Hugh and Win Burton have been released by their captors in Rafah, Gaza, after two days of no news and frantic diplomatic and security activity. There is, of course, no connection between this abduction and those of the four Christian Peacemaker Team activists in Iraq - but it will nevertheless be good and encouraging news in the midst of their continuing ordeal. The strenuous Muslim and Palestinian calls for the release of abductees have echoed once more across the region, and this will be picked up in Bagdhad and elsewhere as efforts to free Norman Kember, Tom Fox, Jim Loney and Hameet Singh Sooden go on.I had an additional reason to be thankful, in that I have met Win several times. She worked for the European Union's 'Soul for Europe' programme in Brussels for a number of years, and cooperated with both ecumenical Christian organisations (including the one I worked for, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland) and various interfaith networks. A marvellous woman. She is pictured here with Michael Taylor, former Christian Aid director and professor of development studies at the University of Birmingham.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
Thursday, December 29, 2005
[17.00 GMT] Keep hostages in your prayers (Baptist Times, UK); 
France pleads with hostage takers (Middle East Online, UK); Hostage takers' silence likely a good sign for Canadians (National Post, Canada); Search for kidnapped Gaza Britons continues (Guardian Unlimited, UK - picture of abducted aid worker Kate Burton); Security chiefs hold talks with Scottish woman's kidnappers (Scotland Today, UK); German ex-envoy missing in Yemen (Chicago Tribune, United States); Kidnapping rife as anarchy rules (The Herald, UK); Language of the Heart By Cindy Sheehan (The Nation, United States); The Assassins' Gate: America In Iraq By George Packer (Christian Century, United States).
France pleads with hostage takers (Middle East Online, UK); Hostage takers' silence likely a good sign for Canadians (National Post, Canada); Search for kidnapped Gaza Britons continues (Guardian Unlimited, UK - picture of abducted aid worker Kate Burton); Security chiefs hold talks with Scottish woman's kidnappers (Scotland Today, UK); German ex-envoy missing in Yemen (Chicago Tribune, United States); Kidnapping rife as anarchy rules (The Herald, UK); Language of the Heart By Cindy Sheehan (The Nation, United States); The Assassins' Gate: America In Iraq By George Packer (Christian Century, United States).
[16.45 GMT] Canadian Muslims Appeal for Release of Iraq Hostages (Islam Online, Qatar); Threat against French engineer seized in Iraq (Radio New Zealand); Canadians Imagine an 'Army' of Peacemakers (Inter Press Service. Italy); Kashmiri activists back Harmeet Singh Sooden (Greater Kashmir.com - beware pop-ups); Bethlehem hosts nonviolence conference with 350 attendees (Palestine News Network, Israel-Palestine); Silent vigil for hostage Kember (BBC News, UK); Radio appeal fails to move kidnappers (Ottawa Sun, Canada).
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
[13.30 GMT] Radio messages sent to captors in Iraq 27/12/05; Christian leaders hold out love as the alternative to terror 27/12/05.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
[21.15 GMT] Insurgent attacks rock Iraq (Euronews.net, France); Loney family remain hopeful (Ottawa Citizen, Canada); Muslims in plea for Kember release (ic North London Online, UK).
Saturday, December 24, 2005
[14.00 GMT] 
Watching and waiting with the Christian peacemakers in Iraq, by Lee McKenna duCharme (Ekklesia); 'Waiting has taken on a whole new meaning' by Rose Marie Berger (Sojourners, well worththe free registration).
Please note that FinS may be infrequent over the next few days, but will try to keep up with major developments. With good wishes and prayers to you all for the Season of Christ's birth and renewed hope in the midst of darkness. Simon Barrow.
Watching and waiting with the Christian peacemakers in Iraq, by Lee McKenna duCharme (Ekklesia); 'Waiting has taken on a whole new meaning' by Rose Marie Berger (Sojourners, well worththe free registration).Please note that FinS may be infrequent over the next few days, but will try to keep up with major developments. With good wishes and prayers to you all for the Season of Christ's birth and renewed hope in the midst of darkness. Simon Barrow.
[GMT 13.10] New appeal for release of Iraq peace workers (Ekklesia, 24/12/05)
Updated full chronological list of related articles on Ekklesia as of 24 December 2005 PM: Features - Christian Peacemaker Teams full briefing (with links to features and stories on CPT's work); Christian peacemakers - a lesson to the peace movement (by Mark A. LeVine); A culture of Christian citizenship (Pat Gaffney, CAFOD, Advent inc. Iraq); Why are we here? (by CPTer Tom Fox). Advent hope for Iraq, captives and Limbaugh (Sojourners magazine). What on earth are we waiting for? (Simon Barrow, Advent and Iraq). Updates: FaithInSociety; News - Churches Urged to pray for Iraq hostages this Christmas 24/12/05; United Church of Canada calls for an end to detention and occupation in Iraq 21/12/05; Christians and Muslims show continued support for Norman Kember 21/12/05; Christian Peacemakers say they will carry on their work 18/12/05; Lack of evidence for Iraq negotiator abduction claim 17/12/05; Fears 'unfounded' over Iraq hostage negotiator 16/12/05; Search goes on for missing Christian peace workers 16/12/05; UK envoy remains hopeful on Iraq captives 16/12/05; Muslim envoy to Iraq returns as al-Jazeera publicizes mercy pleas 14/12/05; Christian peacemakers demand entry to Guantanamo Bay 14/12/05; Canadian churches pray for missing peace activists 13/12/05; Cardinal joins pleas for Iraq peace workers; Praying for a miracle amid Iraq hostage silence 12/12/05; All faiths candlelit vigil in London for Norman Kember 12/12/05; Officials and families seek news on Iraq Christian peace workers 12/12/05; Lobbying goes on as Iraq hostage deadline passes 11/12/05; Hope continues as Iraq captive deadline looms 10/12/05; Embattled Hezbollah backs Iraq 'doves of peace' 09/12/05; UN secretary general calls for release of all Iraqi captives 09/12/05; Former Guantanamo Bay detainees call for release of Christian peacemakers 08/12/05; Jack Straw says he will talk on Iraq hostages 08/12/05; Abu Qatada pleas for Iraq captives as deadline is extended 08/12/05; Christians criticize UK Iraq war budget increase 08/12/05; Christian peacemakers say the work must go on 08/12/05; Last minute appeals made for Christian peacemakers 07/12/05 ; Muslim detainees plead for lives of Christian peacemakers 06/12/05; Faith groups in the US unite to back Iraq captives 06/12/05; French engineer seized in Iraq 05/12/05; Norman Kember's wife pleads for his life 04/12/05; Iraqi, Muslim and Palestinian support for peace hostages grows 04/12/05; Insurgents say they will kill Christian peacemakers 02/12/05; WCC calls for freeing of Christian peace workers 02/12/05; Vigils and messages of support for abducted peace activist 02/12/05; Palestinian bishop seeks mercy for Iraq peace workers 02/12/05; Anti-war campaigner flies to Iraq to plead for Christian peacemakers 01/12/05; Muslims urge release of Christian peacemakers missing in Iraq 01/12/05; Al-Jazeera releases film of Iraq peace hostages 30/11/05; Search goes on for Christian peacemaker kidnapped in Iraq 28/11/05. Key book: Patricia Gates-Brown (ed.), Getting in the Way: Stories from Christian Peacemaker Teams, Herald Press]Christian Peacemaker Teams full briefing (with links to features and stories on CPT's work); Why are we here? (by CPTer Tom Fox); Christians criticize UK Iraq war budget increase 08/12/05; Christian peacemakers say the work must go on 08/12/05; Last minute appeals made for Christian peacemakers 07/12/05 ; Muslim detainees plead for lives of Christian peacemakers 06/12/05; Faith groups in the US unite to back Iraq captives 06/12/05; French engineer seized in Iraq 05/12/05; Norman Kember's wife pleads for his life 04/12/05; Iraqi, Muslim and Palestinian support for peace hostages grows 04/12/05; Insurgents say they will kill Christian peacemakers 02/12/05; WCC calls for freeing of Christian peace workers 02/12/05; Vigils and messages of support for abducted peace activist 02/12/05; Palestinian bishop seeks mercy for Iraq peace workers 02/12/05; Anti-war campaigner flies to Iraq to plead for Christian peacemakers 01/12/05; Muslims urge release of Christian peacemakers missing in Iraq 01/12/05; Al-Jazeera releases film of Iraq peace hostages 30/11/05; Search goes on for Christian peacemaker kidnapped in Iraq 28/11/05. Key book: Patricia Gates-Brown (ed.), Getting in the Way: Stories from Christian Peacemaker Teams, Herald Press.
Updated full chronological list of related articles on Ekklesia as of 24 December 2005 PM: Features - Christian Peacemaker Teams full briefing (with links to features and stories on CPT's work); Christian peacemakers - a lesson to the peace movement (by Mark A. LeVine); A culture of Christian citizenship (Pat Gaffney, CAFOD, Advent inc. Iraq); Why are we here? (by CPTer Tom Fox). Advent hope for Iraq, captives and Limbaugh (Sojourners magazine). What on earth are we waiting for? (Simon Barrow, Advent and Iraq). Updates: FaithInSociety; News - Churches Urged to pray for Iraq hostages this Christmas 24/12/05; United Church of Canada calls for an end to detention and occupation in Iraq 21/12/05; Christians and Muslims show continued support for Norman Kember 21/12/05; Christian Peacemakers say they will carry on their work 18/12/05; Lack of evidence for Iraq negotiator abduction claim 17/12/05; Fears 'unfounded' over Iraq hostage negotiator 16/12/05; Search goes on for missing Christian peace workers 16/12/05; UK envoy remains hopeful on Iraq captives 16/12/05; Muslim envoy to Iraq returns as al-Jazeera publicizes mercy pleas 14/12/05; Christian peacemakers demand entry to Guantanamo Bay 14/12/05; Canadian churches pray for missing peace activists 13/12/05; Cardinal joins pleas for Iraq peace workers; Praying for a miracle amid Iraq hostage silence 12/12/05; All faiths candlelit vigil in London for Norman Kember 12/12/05; Officials and families seek news on Iraq Christian peace workers 12/12/05; Lobbying goes on as Iraq hostage deadline passes 11/12/05; Hope continues as Iraq captive deadline looms 10/12/05; Embattled Hezbollah backs Iraq 'doves of peace' 09/12/05; UN secretary general calls for release of all Iraqi captives 09/12/05; Former Guantanamo Bay detainees call for release of Christian peacemakers 08/12/05; Jack Straw says he will talk on Iraq hostages 08/12/05; Abu Qatada pleas for Iraq captives as deadline is extended 08/12/05; Christians criticize UK Iraq war budget increase 08/12/05; Christian peacemakers say the work must go on 08/12/05; Last minute appeals made for Christian peacemakers 07/12/05 ; Muslim detainees plead for lives of Christian peacemakers 06/12/05; Faith groups in the US unite to back Iraq captives 06/12/05; French engineer seized in Iraq 05/12/05; Norman Kember's wife pleads for his life 04/12/05; Iraqi, Muslim and Palestinian support for peace hostages grows 04/12/05; Insurgents say they will kill Christian peacemakers 02/12/05; WCC calls for freeing of Christian peace workers 02/12/05; Vigils and messages of support for abducted peace activist 02/12/05; Palestinian bishop seeks mercy for Iraq peace workers 02/12/05; Anti-war campaigner flies to Iraq to plead for Christian peacemakers 01/12/05; Muslims urge release of Christian peacemakers missing in Iraq 01/12/05; Al-Jazeera releases film of Iraq peace hostages 30/11/05; Search goes on for Christian peacemaker kidnapped in Iraq 28/11/05. Key book: Patricia Gates-Brown (ed.), Getting in the Way: Stories from Christian Peacemaker Teams, Herald Press]Christian Peacemaker Teams full briefing (with links to features and stories on CPT's work); Why are we here? (by CPTer Tom Fox); Christians criticize UK Iraq war budget increase 08/12/05; Christian peacemakers say the work must go on 08/12/05; Last minute appeals made for Christian peacemakers 07/12/05 ; Muslim detainees plead for lives of Christian peacemakers 06/12/05; Faith groups in the US unite to back Iraq captives 06/12/05; French engineer seized in Iraq 05/12/05; Norman Kember's wife pleads for his life 04/12/05; Iraqi, Muslim and Palestinian support for peace hostages grows 04/12/05; Insurgents say they will kill Christian peacemakers 02/12/05; WCC calls for freeing of Christian peace workers 02/12/05; Vigils and messages of support for abducted peace activist 02/12/05; Palestinian bishop seeks mercy for Iraq peace workers 02/12/05; Anti-war campaigner flies to Iraq to plead for Christian peacemakers 01/12/05; Muslims urge release of Christian peacemakers missing in Iraq 01/12/05; Al-Jazeera releases film of Iraq peace hostages 30/11/05; Search goes on for Christian peacemaker kidnapped in Iraq 28/11/05. Key book: Patricia Gates-Brown (ed.), Getting in the Way: Stories from Christian Peacemaker Teams, Herald Press.
[12.40 GMT] Message of peace plays out in Iraq (Toronto Star, Canada); Kember: 'A man of peace' and Kember 'may still be freed' (both BBC archive).
[00.40 GMT] Churches Urged to pray for Iraq hostages this Christmas (Ekklesia, 24/12/05) ; Kember family's new appeal (BBC). The family of Iraq hostage Norman Kember are to make a new plea for his release in radio and newspaper adverts; Hostages' families issue joint appeal (ABC Online, Australia); Plea for hostages to be released (Scotsman, UK Families of Western hostages take out ads in Iraqi papers (CBC News, Canada).
[284.1] WHY DISORGANISED RELIGION IS BEST
An excerpt from my end-of-term Ekklesia colum on The case for disorganised religion. It incorporates, by happy accident, references to other material I have written throughout the year.
Jesus may well have caused division, kicked up a bit of a fuss. He certainly wouldn’t have found himself on trial before the ruling authorities if his only crime had been to be too blandly reassuring. However the real shock of Jesus was not that he rudely pushed forward his own interests and his own tribe through his confrontations with authority – but that he didn’t.
Instead, in words and actions that disturbed the comfortable and comforted the disturbed, he showed that God’s ‘weapons’ against wrong are disarming love, unadvertised truth, difficult peace, costly forgiveness and indiscriminate table fellowship.
None of these Gospel gestures is undemanding or un-political. But the demand they make is not for recognition, influence, privilege and power on our own behalf. It is for transformation, starting with us. The tough virtues which Jesus exhibits are ones which dis-organise and re-orient our natural human disposition towards self-interest. The movement he creates is not an Imperial guard, it is an odd group of misfits and unfortunates (described in the Beatitudes) who are prepared to see in one another, and in the God who loves without favour, the hope of a new world coming.
The church is supposed to be made up of those who recognise Jesus’ transformative agenda and are willing to implement it – not by seizing power, but by redistributing it and turning it into something that gives rather than takes.That is what I mean by ‘disorganised religion’ – a movement among God’s people which resists what doyen US economist John Kenneth Galbraith called ‘institutional truth’: that version of events which makes sure that ‘we’ end up being the winners. [Continued]
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
An excerpt from my end-of-term Ekklesia colum on The case for disorganised religion. It incorporates, by happy accident, references to other material I have written throughout the year.
Jesus may well have caused division, kicked up a bit of a fuss. He certainly wouldn’t have found himself on trial before the ruling authorities if his only crime had been to be too blandly reassuring. However the real shock of Jesus was not that he rudely pushed forward his own interests and his own tribe through his confrontations with authority – but that he didn’t.
Instead, in words and actions that disturbed the comfortable and comforted the disturbed, he showed that God’s ‘weapons’ against wrong are disarming love, unadvertised truth, difficult peace, costly forgiveness and indiscriminate table fellowship.
None of these Gospel gestures is undemanding or un-political. But the demand they make is not for recognition, influence, privilege and power on our own behalf. It is for transformation, starting with us. The tough virtues which Jesus exhibits are ones which dis-organise and re-orient our natural human disposition towards self-interest. The movement he creates is not an Imperial guard, it is an odd group of misfits and unfortunates (described in the Beatitudes) who are prepared to see in one another, and in the God who loves without favour, the hope of a new world coming.
The church is supposed to be made up of those who recognise Jesus’ transformative agenda and are willing to implement it – not by seizing power, but by redistributing it and turning it into something that gives rather than takes.That is what I mean by ‘disorganised religion’ – a movement among God’s people which resists what doyen US economist John Kenneth Galbraith called ‘institutional truth’: that version of events which makes sure that ‘we’ end up being the winners. [Continued]
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
Friday, December 23, 2005
[283.3] HATING PEACE ACTIVISTS MORE THAN TERRORISTS
Reading Mary Gabel's response (Praying for Light to Reach Peacemakers' Captors, Embassy, Canada) to CPTer Greg Rollins' letter from Iraq made me think. In addition to such gestures of solidarity, there is a good deal of vitriol out on the web (especially among bloggers) about Christian Peacemaker Teams in general, and the four captives in Iraq in particular. People with jerky-knees doubt their integrity, their sanity, their grasp of reality - and, in the US especially, accuse them of being mere ideologues in religious garb.
Much of this is as unfair in selection as it is nasty in tone. There are legitimate questions to be asked about the politics, theology and tactics of CPT. But they are not to be found in the mean distortions that circulate in some quarters, often introduced with the prefix 'so-called' to deride and dismiss a costly vocation. Besides, other analysts have a different perspective on the politics of peace. (See also Denying reality, by Dave Warnock, who has discovered the curious, alternate universe that is SoCal).
On the Canadian Christianity website, there is a rounded piece by David F. Dawes, Hostage-taking provokes international outcry, which examines a range of reactions, including those from people suspended in Limbaugh (a state which, ahem, I thought had been abolished by the new Pope). As Ted Olson and Rob Moll of Christianity Today observe, "the only thing some people like less than a terrorist is a peace activist." Discuss! See also the different responses to Michelle Goldberg's Salon article, Love Your Enemies, about Tom Fox.
Among the other pieces of spleen currently circulating is an article called Pray for captives, not the captors in the Toronto Star - a normally reliable paper which sadly has not distinguished itself with concern for verifiability in some aspects of its coverage of the Iraq hostages situation. There are many misunderstandings in this piece. Tim Nafziger of CPT UK, the Anabaptist Network and the London Mennonite Centre [enough seasonal plugs for you there, Tim?] says:
Rosie Dimann's call to pray only for "our side" and not the captors goes against everything that the men being held stand for. She draws on a Christendom theology that claims God for "us" and ignores the clear [injunction] of Jesus to pray for those who persecute us. She claims to support the hostages but belittles their friends, family and supporters for following God's call to love our enemies. It is not relativist compassion, but a radical commitment in the transformative love of Jesus that is at the core of the work of Christian Peacemaker Teams.
One can, of course, support the captives without agreeing with them. And one can find their commitment too one-sided or radical. That's an arguable position. But it is sad that those who feel this way often resort to little more than insult and innuendo.
[On the tricky question of relating principled Christian nonviolence to realpolitik, see - as one starting point - Of Bishops, bombs and ballast. Also the post below on the UCC statement]
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
Reading Mary Gabel's response (Praying for Light to Reach Peacemakers' Captors, Embassy, Canada) to CPTer Greg Rollins' letter from Iraq made me think. In addition to such gestures of solidarity, there is a good deal of vitriol out on the web (especially among bloggers) about Christian Peacemaker Teams in general, and the four captives in Iraq in particular. People with jerky-knees doubt their integrity, their sanity, their grasp of reality - and, in the US especially, accuse them of being mere ideologues in religious garb.Much of this is as unfair in selection as it is nasty in tone. There are legitimate questions to be asked about the politics, theology and tactics of CPT. But they are not to be found in the mean distortions that circulate in some quarters, often introduced with the prefix 'so-called' to deride and dismiss a costly vocation. Besides, other analysts have a different perspective on the politics of peace. (See also Denying reality, by Dave Warnock, who has discovered the curious, alternate universe that is SoCal).
On the Canadian Christianity website, there is a rounded piece by David F. Dawes, Hostage-taking provokes international outcry, which examines a range of reactions, including those from people suspended in Limbaugh (a state which, ahem, I thought had been abolished by the new Pope). As Ted Olson and Rob Moll of Christianity Today observe, "the only thing some people like less than a terrorist is a peace activist." Discuss! See also the different responses to Michelle Goldberg's Salon article, Love Your Enemies, about Tom Fox.
Among the other pieces of spleen currently circulating is an article called Pray for captives, not the captors in the Toronto Star - a normally reliable paper which sadly has not distinguished itself with concern for verifiability in some aspects of its coverage of the Iraq hostages situation. There are many misunderstandings in this piece. Tim Nafziger of CPT UK, the Anabaptist Network and the London Mennonite Centre [enough seasonal plugs for you there, Tim?] says:
Rosie Dimann's call to pray only for "our side" and not the captors goes against everything that the men being held stand for. She draws on a Christendom theology that claims God for "us" and ignores the clear [injunction] of Jesus to pray for those who persecute us. She claims to support the hostages but belittles their friends, family and supporters for following God's call to love our enemies. It is not relativist compassion, but a radical commitment in the transformative love of Jesus that is at the core of the work of Christian Peacemaker Teams.
One can, of course, support the captives without agreeing with them. And one can find their commitment too one-sided or radical. That's an arguable position. But it is sad that those who feel this way often resort to little more than insult and innuendo.
[On the tricky question of relating principled Christian nonviolence to realpolitik, see - as one starting point - Of Bishops, bombs and ballast. Also the post below on the UCC statement]
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
[283.2] THE NEED FOR SAPIENTIAL DOVES
UPI has just put out a brief statement (Canadian church pressures PM on Iraq) about the letter from the United Church of Canada calling for the withrawal of troops from Iraq and an end to illegal detentions, covered more fully on Ekklesia. I don't dissent from their basic stance, though the 'when' and 'how' of military disengagement is a complex question which needs to be related to the development of a peacemaking force on the ground, the role of the UN, aid and development. (On theological grounds I am deeply committed to principled non-violence as the form of engagement and witness required of the Body of Christ, but I don't think we should duck the policy issues pressed upon those who have to manage the reality of the situation.)
What worries me more, however, is the UCC's rather stark rooting of blame for the whole Iraq quagmire on US and British intervention - as if the forces of violent insurgency, militarised jihadism, criminality and malignant Baa'thism could be ignored, or were mere epiphenomena of (undoubted and long-standing) Western failings which will disappear when "we" choose to "go home". As if.
A sound political understanding of the situation, and of how the difficult peace of Christ might be brought to bear in the midst of it, cannot in my view be sustained on the basis of such a thin analysis. As they say, "its a long conversation", but I have tried to boil down some of the issues here, starting from the war-on-terror question.
Without the dove the serpent lacks the capacity for redemption, but without the serpent the dove lacks the means to face the world's wiles.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
UPI has just put out a brief statement (Canadian church pressures PM on Iraq) about the letter from the United Church of Canada calling for the withrawal of troops from Iraq and an end to illegal detentions, covered more fully on Ekklesia. I don't dissent from their basic stance, though the 'when' and 'how' of military disengagement is a complex question which needs to be related to the development of a peacemaking force on the ground, the role of the UN, aid and development. (On theological grounds I am deeply committed to principled non-violence as the form of engagement and witness required of the Body of Christ, but I don't think we should duck the policy issues pressed upon those who have to manage the reality of the situation.)
What worries me more, however, is the UCC's rather stark rooting of blame for the whole Iraq quagmire on US and British intervention - as if the forces of violent insurgency, militarised jihadism, criminality and malignant Baa'thism could be ignored, or were mere epiphenomena of (undoubted and long-standing) Western failings which will disappear when "we" choose to "go home". As if.
A sound political understanding of the situation, and of how the difficult peace of Christ might be brought to bear in the midst of it, cannot in my view be sustained on the basis of such a thin analysis. As they say, "its a long conversation", but I have tried to boil down some of the issues here, starting from the war-on-terror question.
Without the dove the serpent lacks the capacity for redemption, but without the serpent the dove lacks the means to face the world's wiles.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
[283.1] RIGHTS, WRONGS AND REASONS
There is a typically thoughtful piece [Managing tension] by Gamil Mattar (formerly director of United Nations Radio and Television in New York) on Al-Ahram, the respected Cairo weekly. The backdrop is the parliamentary elections in Engypt, but the scope is the wider concern about terror, rights and security in an uncertain global environment where states are easily deformed and deforming.
The relationship between state and individual (in the shape of governance) and aid and human rights (as mechanisms of development) is perhaps a little more demanding than the perspective Mattar sets out, but he is dealing with extreme circumstances. His intentions are also noble. And he is 100 per cent right in saying that "under no circumstances should emergency laws be used as instruments of governance, except in times of war and for a very limited period."
He goes on: "Complex political agendas, coveted trade relations, and strategic interests often stand as barriers between ideals and action. But it should be clear too that our increasing concern over, and losses to, global terrorism are linked to human rights violations at the national level. Violations are a fertile breeding ground and build supply lines for terrorist actors and activities. To the extent that we continue to view terrorism as a security rather than a political problem we will gradually lose the battle against it."
That too is a vital warning. But the underlying question, which liberal advocates do not often ask, is: what underwrites the international human rights agenda, given that - in practice - human value systems often vary fatally?
You do not have to subscribe to some simplistic 'clash of civilisations' thesis to see that this is a crucial issue. The fact is that different religious 'theologies' and secular ideologies have different estimates of what it is to be human and what flows from that. The imposition of one of these views is untenable, and when pursued by force is simply totalitarian. But how do we sustain the necessary and inevitable argument (as distinct from war) about this? What mediating frameworks are available to us in the global political, social, cultural and economic arenas? And how are competing interests and perspectives to be negotiated in a tense, unjust and unequal world?
No-one has easy answers to such questions, and an admission of this is a good starting point. The other good starting point is a basic willigness to negotiate, even with what repels us. But the negotiation should be grounded not on lowest common denominator realpolitik, but by a search for highest common factors. And, at the same time, those of us who belong to specific moral and narrative communities - like followers of Jesus Christ - have the concomitant task of developing and offering visions of 'the good' which lure us away from either personal despair or the wider politics of fear and death. The latter in very much part of FinS's agenda. Ekklesia (church-as-people's-forum) ought to be social and political praxis - not in isolation from the broader agenda, but as a hopefully transformative and transpositional element of it.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
There is a typically thoughtful piece [Managing tension] by Gamil Mattar (formerly director of United Nations Radio and Television in New York) on Al-Ahram, the respected Cairo weekly. The backdrop is the parliamentary elections in Engypt, but the scope is the wider concern about terror, rights and security in an uncertain global environment where states are easily deformed and deforming.The relationship between state and individual (in the shape of governance) and aid and human rights (as mechanisms of development) is perhaps a little more demanding than the perspective Mattar sets out, but he is dealing with extreme circumstances. His intentions are also noble. And he is 100 per cent right in saying that "under no circumstances should emergency laws be used as instruments of governance, except in times of war and for a very limited period."
He goes on: "Complex political agendas, coveted trade relations, and strategic interests often stand as barriers between ideals and action. But it should be clear too that our increasing concern over, and losses to, global terrorism are linked to human rights violations at the national level. Violations are a fertile breeding ground and build supply lines for terrorist actors and activities. To the extent that we continue to view terrorism as a security rather than a political problem we will gradually lose the battle against it."
That too is a vital warning. But the underlying question, which liberal advocates do not often ask, is: what underwrites the international human rights agenda, given that - in practice - human value systems often vary fatally?
You do not have to subscribe to some simplistic 'clash of civilisations' thesis to see that this is a crucial issue. The fact is that different religious 'theologies' and secular ideologies have different estimates of what it is to be human and what flows from that. The imposition of one of these views is untenable, and when pursued by force is simply totalitarian. But how do we sustain the necessary and inevitable argument (as distinct from war) about this? What mediating frameworks are available to us in the global political, social, cultural and economic arenas? And how are competing interests and perspectives to be negotiated in a tense, unjust and unequal world?
No-one has easy answers to such questions, and an admission of this is a good starting point. The other good starting point is a basic willigness to negotiate, even with what repels us. But the negotiation should be grounded not on lowest common denominator realpolitik, but by a search for highest common factors. And, at the same time, those of us who belong to specific moral and narrative communities - like followers of Jesus Christ - have the concomitant task of developing and offering visions of 'the good' which lure us away from either personal despair or the wider politics of fear and death. The latter in very much part of FinS's agenda. Ekklesia (church-as-people's-forum) ought to be social and political praxis - not in isolation from the broader agenda, but as a hopefully transformative and transpositional element of it.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
Thursday, December 22, 2005
[23.00 GMT] Just getting in the way? By Charlie Gillis (Macleans, Canada) Critics Question Senate’s Supposed ‘Anti-torture’ Stance (The NewStandard, NY); US increases air attacks in Iraq (Aljazeera.net); Families lose Iraq inquiry appeal (BBC Internet News); Iraq election body rejects fraud claims (Aljazeera.net).
[18.35 GMT] Blair makes surprise Iraq visit (BBC) - UK PM Tony Blair tells British troops during a trip to Iraq he is proud of the work they are doing to build democracy - but no mention of Norman Kember in reports so far.
[17.30 GMT] Close Up: The fate of Harmeet Sooden (TVNZ, New Zealand); Bush avoids charges (Georgia Straight, Canada).
[09.50 GMT] Friends of captive in Iraq await word (Richmond Times Dispatch, VA);
Pacifist Group Experienced in War Zones (Minneapolis Star Tribune - subscription, MN); Congress Bans Harsh Treatment of Suspects (Guardian Unlimited, UK); Saddam's Victims Take Stand, Recount Torture (New York Sun, NY).
Pacifist Group Experienced in War Zones (Minneapolis Star Tribune - subscription, MN); Congress Bans Harsh Treatment of Suspects (Guardian Unlimited, UK); Saddam's Victims Take Stand, Recount Torture (New York Sun, NY).
[282.1] PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS WITH HEROD
This from Glynn Cardy (who has also contributed the fine "Why the Lion Isn't Safe" Narnia piece on Ekklesia). It arose from a dialogue with a New Zealand journalist, who was astonished that he could think that Jesus might legitimately be linked to any kind of subversive political impulse. On which, see Jonathan Bartley ("Putting which Christ back into Christmas?"), from whom Glynn borrows at one point. Of course this also looks forward to Holy Innocents later this month...
In an inscription from 9 C.E. found in Asia Minor, Caesar is spoken of as “our God” and “saviour” whose birth was “good news” to the world. Around the time of 1st century the festival of the Emperor as “Saviour of the World” began to be celebrated. Rome’s public relations machine made much of these claims in order to legitimate its regime of suppression and exploitation (so called ‘law and order’).
In Luke 2 some shepherds watching their flock by night are surprised by an angelic announcement: “I bring you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah the Lord…” And the angelic choir declared: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favours.”
Forget the tinsel, wings, halos, and other paraphernalia. These subversive angels were deliberately using Caesar language, the language of power. They were challenging the sovereignty of Caesar. The theme of two sovereignties is central to the biblical tradition as a whole. Who will we follow – Caesar or Christ, the mighty emperor or the humble prophet, the rich and powerful or the poor and powerless?
In Matthew’s account of the birth we are introduced to King Herod. In 37 B.C.E. the Romans appointed Herod as King of Judea. The Jewish populace saw him as a Roman puppet, and a ruthless puppet at that.
Herod built up his bank balance and built up his kingdom. Architectural projects, many of them exhibiting engineering excellence, sprang up. These included the port of Caesarea, the walls of Jerusalem, a royal palace, and the Temple. Ostensibly to win the hearts of his subjects, the building programme was financed by severe taxation and the forced labour of ordinary Jews.
Twice a day the Temple priests were paid by Rome to sacrifice on behalf of the Emperor. Herod controlled the priests by placing a lackey in charge. In any of his appointees was foolish enough to displease him, Herod killed him and replaced him with another.
Herod established an enormous secret police force, using mercenaries and spies, brutally killed anyone suspected of plotting against him, and created Roman peace by slaughtering all dissidents. And there was plenty of dissent.
In Matthew’s Gospel, King Herod, in his fear and need for control, kills all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under. He hopes that Jesus, the alleged new king, will be killed along with the other innocents.
Last week a Wall Street Journal columnist, Sonya Brundidge, stated, “Yet this young child [Jesus] who was the epitome of love and peace was not a threat to Herod. And that same young child poses no threat today.”
Such ignorance is astounding. Of course he was a threat. That’s exactly why Herod killed people. Even if you doubt the historicity of slaughtering all the babes, the intention of Matthew was to leave us in no doubt that Herod should be afraid of Jesus. Jesus’ vision was of overturning everything Herod believed in – power, privilege, violence, and the morality that went with it.
Despots, dictators, and other bullies in any age have good reason to fear Christians who take the message of Jesus seriously. By and large, throughout the last twenty centuries, Christians haven’t been killed on a whim. They have been killed for good reason. They have died for holding up, believing in, and working towards an alternate vision for the world.
There are two Christmas stories. There is the nice one, with the odourless stable, the tranquil Mary, and the smiling newborn. Like in a C.S. Lewis novel you might meet Santa there too, handing out generosity and encouraging everyone to do the same. This is the Christmas package for the populace, apolitically appeasing, and something that we all can enjoy. Throw in supporting the retail industry, a sumptuous feast, and a happy family myth, and we have it: ‘Christmas just as it’s always been’ [sic].
When politicians talk about putting Christ back into Christmas this is the Christ they usually mean. [This is an excerpt. The full article, and more, is here]
Pic: No, that's not Christ, it's Herod. Point made.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
This from Glynn Cardy (who has also contributed the fine "Why the Lion Isn't Safe" Narnia piece on Ekklesia). It arose from a dialogue with a New Zealand journalist, who was astonished that he could think that Jesus might legitimately be linked to any kind of subversive political impulse. On which, see Jonathan Bartley ("Putting which Christ back into Christmas?"), from whom Glynn borrows at one point. Of course this also looks forward to Holy Innocents later this month...In an inscription from 9 C.E. found in Asia Minor, Caesar is spoken of as “our God” and “saviour” whose birth was “good news” to the world. Around the time of 1st century the festival of the Emperor as “Saviour of the World” began to be celebrated. Rome’s public relations machine made much of these claims in order to legitimate its regime of suppression and exploitation (so called ‘law and order’).
In Luke 2 some shepherds watching their flock by night are surprised by an angelic announcement: “I bring you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah the Lord…” And the angelic choir declared: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favours.”
Forget the tinsel, wings, halos, and other paraphernalia. These subversive angels were deliberately using Caesar language, the language of power. They were challenging the sovereignty of Caesar. The theme of two sovereignties is central to the biblical tradition as a whole. Who will we follow – Caesar or Christ, the mighty emperor or the humble prophet, the rich and powerful or the poor and powerless?
In Matthew’s account of the birth we are introduced to King Herod. In 37 B.C.E. the Romans appointed Herod as King of Judea. The Jewish populace saw him as a Roman puppet, and a ruthless puppet at that.
Herod built up his bank balance and built up his kingdom. Architectural projects, many of them exhibiting engineering excellence, sprang up. These included the port of Caesarea, the walls of Jerusalem, a royal palace, and the Temple. Ostensibly to win the hearts of his subjects, the building programme was financed by severe taxation and the forced labour of ordinary Jews.
Twice a day the Temple priests were paid by Rome to sacrifice on behalf of the Emperor. Herod controlled the priests by placing a lackey in charge. In any of his appointees was foolish enough to displease him, Herod killed him and replaced him with another.
Herod established an enormous secret police force, using mercenaries and spies, brutally killed anyone suspected of plotting against him, and created Roman peace by slaughtering all dissidents. And there was plenty of dissent.
In Matthew’s Gospel, King Herod, in his fear and need for control, kills all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under. He hopes that Jesus, the alleged new king, will be killed along with the other innocents.
Last week a Wall Street Journal columnist, Sonya Brundidge, stated, “Yet this young child [Jesus] who was the epitome of love and peace was not a threat to Herod. And that same young child poses no threat today.”
Such ignorance is astounding. Of course he was a threat. That’s exactly why Herod killed people. Even if you doubt the historicity of slaughtering all the babes, the intention of Matthew was to leave us in no doubt that Herod should be afraid of Jesus. Jesus’ vision was of overturning everything Herod believed in – power, privilege, violence, and the morality that went with it.
Despots, dictators, and other bullies in any age have good reason to fear Christians who take the message of Jesus seriously. By and large, throughout the last twenty centuries, Christians haven’t been killed on a whim. They have been killed for good reason. They have died for holding up, believing in, and working towards an alternate vision for the world.
There are two Christmas stories. There is the nice one, with the odourless stable, the tranquil Mary, and the smiling newborn. Like in a C.S. Lewis novel you might meet Santa there too, handing out generosity and encouraging everyone to do the same. This is the Christmas package for the populace, apolitically appeasing, and something that we all can enjoy. Throw in supporting the retail industry, a sumptuous feast, and a happy family myth, and we have it: ‘Christmas just as it’s always been’ [sic].
When politicians talk about putting Christ back into Christmas this is the Christ they usually mean. [This is an excerpt. The full article, and more, is here]
Pic: No, that's not Christ, it's Herod. Point made.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
[05.30 GMT] Hostages' families hopeful as silence continues (CTV.com, Canada); CPT on home invasions in Hebron (via BBS); CPT Signs of the Times (Fall, 2005); Comment from Alive in Baghdad; Italian ecumenical reconciliation site with coverage of the Iraq captives.
[01.15 GMT] Still hopes that Western peace group will be freed (Radio New Zealand, New Zealand); Schulz's fate still unknown (Wahpeton Daily News); Poignant Christmas for hostage's family (Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand).
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
[19.30 GMT] United Church of Canada calls for an end to detention and occupation in Iraq Ekklesia, 21/12/05; Statement by the trustees of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (of which Norman Kember is one); Ba'ath leader calls for peace talks (Uruknet.info); good coverage and updates on Free the Captives Now; Hope has been expressed by Tom Fox's former professor, Lisa Schirch, of the Peacebuilding Program at Eastern Mennonite Unversity. She was speaking to a local TV reporter from the Harrisonburg, Virginia campus.
[281.1] THAT LOVE MAY TRIUMPH OVER FEAR
Tonight's vigil for Dr Norman Kember - abducted in Iraq 25 days ago, along with fellow Christian Peacemaker Team colleagues Tom Fox, Jim Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooder - began at 6pm in Trafalgar Square, London. It continues for one hour, but friends and supporters in the UK and all over the world are invited to remember the abducted (all of them, international and Iraqi) over the Christmas period. Pax Christi is inviting people to pray daily at midday wherever they are, and collective vigils are being organised every ten days. See also the updates on the excellent site Free the Captives Now.org. This pithy reflection, highly appropriate to this painful moment, is from Australian poet and artist Michael Leunig (c):
There are only two feelings.
Love and fear.
There are only two languages.
Love and fear.
There are only two activities.
Love and fear.
There are only two motives,
two procedures, two frameworks,
two results.
Love and fear.
Love and fear.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
Tonight's vigil for Dr Norman Kember - abducted in Iraq 25 days ago, along with fellow Christian Peacemaker Team colleagues Tom Fox, Jim Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooder - began at 6pm in Trafalgar Square, London. It continues for one hour, but friends and supporters in the UK and all over the world are invited to remember the abducted (all of them, international and Iraqi) over the Christmas period. Pax Christi is inviting people to pray daily at midday wherever they are, and collective vigils are being organised every ten days. See also the updates on the excellent site Free the Captives Now.org. This pithy reflection, highly appropriate to this painful moment, is from Australian poet and artist Michael Leunig (c):There are only two feelings.
Love and fear.
There are only two languages.
Love and fear.
There are only two activities.
Love and fear.
There are only two motives,
two procedures, two frameworks,
two results.
Love and fear.
Love and fear.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
[15.30 GMT] Christians and Muslims show continued support for Norman Kember (Ekklesia, 21/12/05); Still hope for Kember (Harrow Times - NK's local paper); Pax Christi - Middle East Focus. (Last week's Kember vigil on Sky News.)
[03.15 GMT] Iraq peacemaker describes the agony of waiting (Ekklesia, 21/12/05 - letter from Iraq CPTer Greg Rollins); Behind the steel curtain. By Sabah Ali (The Free Press); Trade in torture. By Stephen Gray (Le Monde Diplomatique).
[01.00 GMT] READER INFORMATION. For the past five days FinS has provided links and supplementary information for those following the CPT Iraq captive situation on Ekklesia and elswhere. This will continue until 23 December 2005.
International non-violence conference (supported by a range of NGO and faith groups, 27-30 December 2005 in Bethlehem). Related to the story yesterday about refusal of visas. What's at stake in the torture debate? By Anne-Marie Slaughter (TPMCafe); The courage of peacemaking (A Quaker dialogue on Embracing Complexity); MERIP (Middle East Research and Information Project) Iraq files; Victory, defeat... or negotiation? (TomPaine.Com); and From freedom fries to Marine funerals, a Southern Republican’s road to Damascus (Mother Jones). Both by Robert Dreyfuss. Germany deny Hammadi release tied to Osthoff (Independent Online, South Africa) and Germany grants reprieve to Lebanese plane hijacker (Daily Star, Lebanon).
International non-violence conference (supported by a range of NGO and faith groups, 27-30 December 2005 in Bethlehem). Related to the story yesterday about refusal of visas. What's at stake in the torture debate? By Anne-Marie Slaughter (TPMCafe); The courage of peacemaking (A Quaker dialogue on Embracing Complexity); MERIP (Middle East Research and Information Project) Iraq files; Victory, defeat... or negotiation? (TomPaine.Com); and From freedom fries to Marine funerals, a Southern Republican’s road to Damascus (Mother Jones). Both by Robert Dreyfuss. Germany deny Hammadi release tied to Osthoff (Independent Online, South Africa) and Germany grants reprieve to Lebanese plane hijacker (Daily Star, Lebanon).
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
[280.2] BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS
A letter to pastors and others from Gene Stoltzfus, a founder of Christian Peacemaker Teams. See also his Who did it? (about the Iraq kidnappings) on Ekklesia.
"As I write this you are preparing your Christmas and New Year sermons. During my years as the Director of Christian Peacemaker Teams I grew in my understanding of violence, terrorism and the "fight" for freedom. When we began I believed that a tiny organization would only make a slight inroad into our common task of ending organized killing. But I believed that the spiritual and practical power of the world wide church would eventually be the pivotal force in changing the outcome.
"Two years ago I was in Baghdad where I spoke with many Muslim leaders in the mosques. For some it may have been their first contact with Christians. We listened to each other explain our work and our needs. Some understood that Christians thought of all of them as terrorists. Many were outraged by the disappearances of people in their community and the residual effect of the occupation which to them was terrorism. We were also concerned about these matters and found common ground. When we described our work in nonviolence and refusal to accept armed protection they listened and said, "That is what Islam is about. We can do that." Others said, "It wouldn’t work here."... Continued here.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
A letter to pastors and others from Gene Stoltzfus, a founder of Christian Peacemaker Teams. See also his Who did it? (about the Iraq kidnappings) on Ekklesia."As I write this you are preparing your Christmas and New Year sermons. During my years as the Director of Christian Peacemaker Teams I grew in my understanding of violence, terrorism and the "fight" for freedom. When we began I believed that a tiny organization would only make a slight inroad into our common task of ending organized killing. But I believed that the spiritual and practical power of the world wide church would eventually be the pivotal force in changing the outcome.
"Two years ago I was in Baghdad where I spoke with many Muslim leaders in the mosques. For some it may have been their first contact with Christians. We listened to each other explain our work and our needs. Some understood that Christians thought of all of them as terrorists. Many were outraged by the disappearances of people in their community and the residual effect of the occupation which to them was terrorism. We were also concerned about these matters and found common ground. When we described our work in nonviolence and refusal to accept armed protection they listened and said, "That is what Islam is about. We can do that." Others said, "It wouldn’t work here."... Continued here.
Comment on this post: FaithInSociety
[18.30 GMT] US captives in Iraq show peaceful courage (Kennebec Journal Online); Sunnis say Iraq vote was fraudulent. By Jason Straziouso, (Associated Press); Peace workers denied access to Bethlehem (International Solidarity Movement, Palestine); Christian Peacemaker Teams Respond to Presidential Address (Political Affairs Magazine, NY) Hostages' families both heartened, horrified (Vancouver Sun - subscription - Canada); Jesus' birth proves the power of vulnerability (National Catholic Reporter, ref. to Jim Loney); Fate of hostages in Iraq still unknown (Dallas Baptist Standard, TX).
[13.00 GMT] On a slightly lighter note, Peacenik Doctor Who to ruin Blair's Christmas Ekklesia, 20/12/05.
[08.50 GMT] Letter to President Bush from CPTer Maxine Nash (SooToday.com - whose coverage has been excellent. Its 37 articles related to captor Jim Loney, who is from Sault Ste. Marie, are indexed at the bottom of this page); Hope flickers for relatives of hostages in Iraq (Stuff.co.nz); Jordanian embassy employee abducted in Baghdad (Al-Bawaba, Jordan); Iraq: Abducted peace activists appeal Blair to pull out (Sify, India); Abducted German woman drawn to warmth of Iraqi people (Monsters and Critics.com, UK); Fears grow for Briton as US hostage shot dead (Glasgow Daily Record, UK); Video 'shows cold-blooded killing of kidnapped US contractor' (Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom).
[01.20 GMT] 
'Hope' for British hostage in Iraq (Scotsman, United Kingdom) - comment from Anas Altikriti, the Muslim envoy; Four women are shot dead in Iraq (Gulf Daily News, Bahrain); Friends of Christian hostages oppose military rescue operation (BosNewsLife, Hungary) - a subscription-only service, unfortunately, though the CPT site has for some time carried a statement to that effect; On Iraq and the Anishinaabe, by Jim Loney (David Helwig, SooToday.com, from 11/12/05); Christians, Muslims Continue to Pray for Captured Peacemakers (ChristianToday, UK/Korea); Two years of American occupation of Iraq: a dismal scorecard (Milli Gazette, India); Concern expressed for Assyrian Christians in Iraq (Ekklesia). Cynthia Tucker: "For all his rhetoric about planting the seeds of democracy in the Middle East, Bush has no great appreciation for it here at home. Why should theocrats abroad heed his message when theocrats here appear to be running the place?"
'Hope' for British hostage in Iraq (Scotsman, United Kingdom) - comment from Anas Altikriti, the Muslim envoy; Four women are shot dead in Iraq (Gulf Daily News, Bahrain); Friends of Christian hostages oppose military rescue operation (BosNewsLife, Hungary) - a subscription-only service, unfortunately, though the CPT site has for some time carried a statement to that effect; On Iraq and the Anishinaabe, by Jim Loney (David Helwig, SooToday.com, from 11/12/05); Christians, Muslims Continue to Pray for Captured Peacemakers (ChristianToday, UK/Korea); Two years of American occupation of Iraq: a dismal scorecard (Milli Gazette, India); Concern expressed for Assyrian Christians in Iraq (Ekklesia). Cynthia Tucker: "For all his rhetoric about planting the seeds of democracy in the Middle East, Bush has no great appreciation for it here at home. Why should theocrats abroad heed his message when theocrats here appear to be running the place?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
