[08. 40 GMT] Bid to free Iraqi female captives (Al-Bawaba, Jordan); Bodyguards shot dead as kidnappers seize more foreigners (Times Online, UK ); In Iraq, Kidnapping to Make Political Statement, Profit (ABC News USA). Iraqi official calls for release of women prisoners (Guardian, UK) - An Iraqi government official today urged the US military to release women prisoners but denied the plea was part of attempts to free a kidnapped journalist. Also from the Guardian: Official US agency paints dire picture of 'out-of-control' Iraq and Torture flights: what No 10 knew.

[00.00 GMT] Prayers for a reporter in Iraq (Christian Science Monitor, USA); UK memo stokes 'CIA flights' row (BBC News, UK).

[01.15 GMT] Jill Carroll's captors issue videotape demands (Ekklesia, UK); Catholic put spotlight on Guantanamo (Ecumenical News International, Switzerland - a very good news service); Al-Jazeera asks to see Bush 'bombing' transcript (Guardian, UK) - Lawyers demand to see the record of a conversation in which President Bush said he wanted to bomb the Arabic TV station. Its staff have been hit several times already, by accident says the US. See also Don't Bomb Us - A blog by Al Jazeera Staffers and 'Blairwatch' on the al-Jazeera memo.

[23.15 GMT] Al-Jazeera Airs Tape of American Journalist Hostage (Associated Press via Fox News, USA). "American journalist Jill Carroll will be killed unless the United States frees all female prisoners in Iraq, according to a videotape aired on Arab television [today]. The satellite network Al-Jazeera aired a silent 20-second-long videotape Tuesday night of Carroll, a freelance reporter with the Christian Science Monitor. In the tape, Carroll is shown sitting in front of a white background and speaking, but her voice is inaudible. Carroll looks pale and appears tired in the tape." Carroll's Family Responds to Kidnapping (ABC News, USA) , and across the networks.

[08.30 GMT] Peacemaker vigils in Washington and Toronto focus on Iraq policy (Ekklesia, UK). This report includes an updated complete chronological list of related articles on Ekklesia as of 17 January 2006 AM - over 90 news stories and features.

[07.45 GMT] Protesters call for release of hostages in Iraq (Toronto Star, Canada); Cronkite's Vietnam moment: 'US must leave Iraq' (Independent, UK); Gore's Challenge to Congress and the Media (The Nation, NY, USA); Iraq's future still going up in smoke (The Observer, UK); The news blackout on Jill Carroll’s abduction (Online Journal, FL, USA) .

[289.1] A TIMELY REMINDER

"The spirit we have, not the work we do, is what makes us important to the people around us." Sr Joan Chittester, OSB

Comment on this post: FaithInSociety

[00.20 GMT] Catholic Worker plans Guantanamo protests over Lent (Ekklesia, UK); Vigils a grim reminder of four Christian peacemakers missing in Iraq (Macleans, Canada); Bush tries marketing his Iraq policy (The Argus, CA, USA); Hostage families trying to put lives back together (CBC News, Canada), Iraq Body Count appeals for funds; Two Reuters journalists freed in Iraq (Reuters); Slow motion waiting, by Johan Maurer; Iraq's destiny still rests between God, blood and oil (Tariq Ali, Guardian, UK).

[19.15 GMT] From the StarPhoenix in Canada: "There is to be a vigil and march today in Toronto for the four Christian Peacemakers held hostage in Iraq. Members of the group are to lead a procession ending in a vigil at city hall. The march then moves on to the nearby US Consulate. There, they are to call for justice for the thousands of Iraqis detained without trial by US troops and for an end to the occupation of Iraq.

[14.50 GMT] Norman Kember remembered across UK (Ekklesia, UK); Christian Peacemaker returning to Iraq (Globe and Mail, Canada); The hostage no one knew was missing (Times Online, UK); A night raid in Iraq (Jerusalem Post, Israel); Focusing on 'success' in Iraq (Washington Post, United States).

[00.00 GMT] US Bishops Urge “Serious Civil Dialogue” On Iraq (Scoop.co.nz -press release, New Zealand); AP reporter details night raid in Iraq (Biloxi Sun Herald, USA).

[17.45 GMT] "I think we were welcomed. But it was not a peaceful welcome."—President George W. Bush in fine form in Philadelphia, 12 December 2005, on the reception of American forces in Iraq. Iraqi election endgame, by Alastair Leithead, Baghdad, and Pakistan rally against US strike (BBC News, UK).

[02.50 GMT] Loney family trying to resume a normal life (CTV.com, Canada).

[00.50] Lets get practical... Launching peacemaker prayer and action in your community (*.PDF format - Adobe Acrobat) - a very good draft set of resources from John Stephens for local groups and congregations. From weblogs: The journey to Washington DC and Join 'Shine the Light' (PeaceTalk); Tell us what to do! By Gene Stoltzfus, founder of Christian Peacemaker Teams. We can but watch and wait and pray… (Janinsanfran); Let's be careful about casting the blame (Brooklyn Quaker); Quaker blog watch on CPT.

[17.50 GMT] Waging peace (Dallas Morning News, TX, USA). An article by Charlie Jackson, who as recently returned from his third visit to Iraq through Christian Peacemaker Teams. He is the founder of Texans for Peace. The focus of the piece is the CPT 'Shine the Light' initiative which coincides with Martin Luther King Day on Monday 16 January. Should God Bless America? By Craig Etchison (Countercurrents.org); Murtha details his exit strategy (CBS News, USA); Reporter tells of capture, 5 days held by insurgents (San Francisco Chronicle, USA); 'Zawahiri' strike sparks protest (BBC News, UK).

[06.10 GMT] Supporters of Iraq captives reissue media appeals (Ekklesia, UK).

[04.15 GMT] Kidnapped reporter (Phil Sands) rescued by chance in Iraq (San Francisco Chronicle, USA); How To Cover a Kidnapping (Slate, USA); Propaganda in Iraq (Khilafah.com, UK); US army in Iraq gets harsh appraisal (Al Jazeera, Oman); Europe 'complicit over CIA jails' (BBC News, UK). On that last story, British security expert Dan Plesch (RUSI) told BBC News 24 this morning that the West had again "shot itself in the foot" in the struggle against terrorism. Dabbling in torture, he said, was both wrong and "deeply counter-productive". See his own site.

[00.25 GMT] More UK vigils keep focus on Norman Kember (Ekklesia,UK ). Further events are taking place today in Cambridge and Peterborough, and on Monday in London to maintain attention on the CPT captives in Iraq. It is nearly seven weeks since they were abducted. The Fellowship of Reconciliation says: "If you can't make it to these events you may like to organise a local public vigil in your area. Public vigils keep the hostages in people's minds. A poster/leaflet which can be used on vigils or simply put up in windows is available to download as a word doc or a pdf. We are also suggesting that people pray for Norman Kember, Tom Fox, Harmeet Singh Sooden, Jim Loney and all who are being held against their will in Iraq at noon each day. If you are planning to hold a public vigil, please do let us know as we can help publicise the event."

[22.15 GMT] Covering Kidnap Victims By Judith Matlof (Columbia Journalism Review, USA): "There is no simple formula for deciding whether to report on a hostage case, in Iraq or anywhere else. But the general rule should be to ask ourselves whether we have made a serious effort to determine whether publicity would put the victim at risk when we report on the capture of anyone other than a press colleague. Are we implicitly responsible for someone’s death by maintaining a double standard? Or do we just report the news and find out later?" See also: When Covering Iraq Kidnappings, Caution Can Save Lives (Media Channel, NY, USA); Bush rejects Merkel's plea to close Guantanamo (CBC Ottawa, Canada); Iraqi men freed, 3 weapon caches seized (Pentagram, Washington DC, USA).

[288.1] FACING DOWN THE WAR SEDUCTION

Channel 4 TV UK. Iraq: The Failure of War: 19.30 GMT, tonight.

Veteran war reporter and former independent MP Martin Bell kicks off the new series of 30 Minutes with a powerful film arguing that war is an increasingly unreliable and unjustifiable means of solving conflicts in the 21st century. In short, "it doesn't work", he says. It is the first in a ten-week run of provocative polemics in which high-profile authors address important current affairs subjects. Bell is no pacifist. But the reporter, known by his trademark white suits ever since he first wore one during the Balkans conflict in which he was wounded, has spent the best part of 50 years experiencing the cruelties of war at first hand.

Starting as a soldier, later as a war correspondent, and most recently as an ambassador for UNICEF, Bell's views on war have evolved from supporter to sceptic. Except in the most tightly defined circumstances, Martin Bell now believes that war is avoidable, intolerable and a deplorable waste of human life. He examines the complicity of the media in presenting a sanitised version of the impact of war, which frequently fails in its stated objectives, claims 90 per cent of its victims from among the civilian population, depends on the decisions of politicians with no first-hand knowledge, and frequently fails to command public support.

Bell's views are compelling, though he largely ignores the challenges of assessing conflict in the age of armed assymetry - what usually gets labelled terrorism. But they aren't the lynchpin of a specifically Christian argument for nonviolence - as proposed by John Howard Yoder and others. The questions for those who would be companions of Jesus are not "how do we avoid conflict?" or "how do we absolve ourselves from culpability?". They are "who and what are we witnessing to?" and "what does it mean to be a community of character in a world of calcuated inhumanity?"

Comment on this post: FaithInSociety

[14.15 GMT] Still no word on four activists abducted in Iraq (Globe and Mail, Canada) Includes comments from Matt Loney, brother of Canadian James Loney. Reader Allan Walker comments: "Just this morning I was lamenting that newspapers so often forget these stories if there is no 'fresh' news to report. Thank you for remembering these good people and keeping them in our minds and prayers." Also: US Bishop's Statement on Iraq (Zenit News Agency, Italy).

[03.00 GMT] Alternatives to the US military presence in Iraq (recommended by NCCUSA); Credentials for lambasting Blair over the war in Iraq... questioned (Guardian, UK).

[00.10 GMT] Christian peacemakers highlight prisoner abuse in Iraq (Ekklesia, UK); The cost of peacemaking. By Jonathan Bartley (Christian Herald, UK); National Campaign of Nonviolent Actions Planned at Congressional Offices (Common Dreams, USA); Protesting war on the west side and Risking everything in order to listen (South Bend Tribune, IN, USA); Despite danger, Slater returning to Iraq (Woodstock Sentinel Review, Canada); Activist shares stories about Iraq (Joliet Herald News, IL, USA); Let's make sure we do better with Iran than we did with Iraq. By Timothy Garton Ash (Guardian, UK).

[21.45 GMT] Working out of openness and trust. By Peggy Gish of CPT (in SooToday, Jim Loney's local paper).

It's easier to talk about not being controlled by fear than it is to actually do it. It takes some struggling to be able to give the underlying tension and fear over to God and to really trust God's care for us and our four colleagues. We need to give each other grace in this.

We ask ourselves daily where to draw the line between continuing the work we feel called to do and caution. Should we visit Iraqi friends, attend local worship services, or meet with particular organizations we worked with in the past? Our struggle is to be wisely cautious, but not allow fear to dominate.

Peggy has also contibuted regularly on Ekklesia.

[13.15 GMT] Hostage effort persists (Calgary Sun, Canada); France debates publicity for Iraq hostages (United Press International); A kidnapping in Iraq suddenly wasn't abstract (Christian Science Monitor, MA, USA); Lakeside man heads back to Iraq (London Free Press, Canada); Worldwide Appeals for Release of Kidnapped Canadian Activist (San Leandro India West, CA). Australian Muslim Seeks Freedom for Christian Peace Activists in Iraq (BosNewsLife, Hungary) - drawing on the earlier Ekklesia report and other sources; General refuses to be interviewed in abuse cases (Standard-Speaker, PA, USA); See also: Voices of Iraq - pooled news service launched by Reuters Foundation and UN Development Programme, English-language pages. The media institutions contributing at present are: Al Sabah al Jadid newspaper - Baghdad, Al Taakhi newspaper - Baghdad, Hawlati newspaper - Al Sulaimaniyah, Al Mannarah newspaper - Basrah, Radio Annas - Baghdad.

[287.1] BECAUSE NO ONE LISTENS

More than 400 foreigners have been kidnapped in Iraq since the occupation began in March 2003. Many more Iraqis have been kidnapped, but it is the abduction of foreigners that makes news, and makes them particular targets....

Greg Rollins’ team-mates were kidnapped [26 November 2005] in what now appears to have been the first of a new wave of kidnappings. The Christian Peacemaker Teams had stayed on despite the wave of foreigner kidnappings in 2004, which resulted in several deaths.

CPT members continue to live among Iraqi people. “Our team wants to make peace and needs to talk to the people in the street, to real Iraqi people,” Rollins told IPS. “I have spoken to people who live in the green zone before, I asked what are Iraqis like? They said, ‘We don’t know what Iraqis are like, we don’t leave the green zone’.”

There is disagreement over the impact of the kidnappings. “No one gains more than the coalition forces,” said Jawad. “Because in April 2004 there were many journalists in Fallujah, but they were afraid of the kidnappings, and in November 2004, there were no foreign journalists there, and the United States didn’t allow the Iraqi journalists to enter.” The U.S. army launched extensive operations in Fallujah both times.

“The kidnappings in Iraq have become very dangerous now, more than ever before,” an Iraqi police officer who wished to remain anonymous told IPS. “It is because no one listens to Iraqis talk about their suffering. That’s why they kidnap foreigners, because it makes people and governments all around the world listen to them.”

* From Inter Press Service News Service ("The story underneath") - Iraq: Because Kidnapping is News. By Brian Conley and Isam Rashid in Baghdad, (11 January, 2006) -

Comment on this post: FaithInSociety

[01.50 GMT] On the ground: New claims of Guantanamo torture (BBC News, UK) - the Amnesty report and initial comment on it was linked from this weblog yesterday. US troops raid Sunni complex (al-Jazeera); Allegations about freed German hostage (UPI, via a conservative blog). One should be cautious about spook-talk. The context and situation of the CPTers is, in any case, significantly different. It is 6 weeks, 4 days and 17 hours since they were abducted, points out FreeTheCaptives.

Reportage: A month ago, Spero News published Christian hostages in Iraq cause little stir on religious blogs. The situation is, largely, unchanged. It is partly to do with the medium, partly to do with perceptions of the "political" nature of CPT, and partly a result of the marginality of the peacemaking tradition within both Christendom and evengelical forms of Christianity, I suspect.

Politics: UK military officer slams US Iraq tactics (BBC, UK) and General Rose also speaks for me (Guardian, UK). But is the message getting through? See: Bush - war critics irresponsible (Daily Kos, USA) and Sunny Hundal's Don’t criticise us…. please? (Pickled Politics). Meanwhile, US army in Iraq institutionally racist, claims British officer (Guardian, UK).

Iraqi perspectives: The highly valuable Alive in Baghdad (of which more later) has a selection of Iraqi blogger links, with the protagonists coming from a range of angles. Some of you may remember Salam Pax, who blogged so perceptively during the decline and fall of Saddam's vile regime and it aftermath. He writes for The Guardian and a range of other media outlets now, and maintains a self-deprecatingly entitled everyday blog here. Though he hasn't been active since December '05, it seems. See also the film Voices of Iraq and the DemocracyNow Iraq section.

[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

[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).

[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.)

[00.50 GMT] Iraqi search for kidnapped Christian Science Monitor reporter (Ekklesia, UK).

[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}

[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.

[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

[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.

[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)

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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."

[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.

[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."

[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]

[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.

[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).

[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).

[23.00 GMT] Audio: Canadian Muslims Call for Release of CPT Hostages (Electronic Iraq)

[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).

[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).

[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.

[00.05 GMT] Vigils go on for Christian Peacemaker Teams hostages in Iraq, 30/12/05

[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

[23.15 GMT] Release of human rights worker in Gaza announced, Ekklesia, 30/12/05

[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).

[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).

[20.10 GMT] Iraqi and Palestinian Christians seek an end to violence, Ekklesia, 28/12/05

[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.

[12.00 GMT] Questions asked about God and tsunami one year on (Ekklesia).

[21.30 GMT] British Muslims in fresh plea for Norman Kember, Ekklesia, 25/12/05

[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).

[12.15 GMT] Christmas Arrives But Still No Word on Hostages' Fate (580 CFRA Radio, Canada)

[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.

[13.45 GMT] Questions asked about God and tsunami one year on, 24/12/05

[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.

[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

[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