Muslim Peacemaker Team in Iraq trained by CPT.

Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) recently conducted a five-day training for Muslim peacemakers at the request of a human rights organization in Karbala, Iraq. Four CPT volunteers, including Church of the Brethren members Peggy Gish and Cliff Kindy, conducted the training at the office of the human rights organization Jan. 22-26. CPT is an initiative of the historic peace churches--Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers--with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.

Some of the topics covered in the training included stories of nonviolent peacemaking, the power of nonviolence, the spirituality of nonviolence, and planning for public action, CPT reported in a release. The trainers also covered various "smaller" topics including trauma and self-care, working with media, and human rights documentation.

In response to stories and exploration of the power of nonviolence, participants asked, "How did that work?" and "Can we do that here?" the release said. The group also explored the roots of nonviolence in the Muslim tradition and told the CPTers that Islam has a firm tradition of nonviolence rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and the Prophet Mohammed. During each day's session, trainees had opportunities to facilitate sessions and be the daily photographer, log keeper, time keeper, convener, and process observer. "The concept of assigning roles for the day was new to the trainees and they greeted it with great enthusiasm," the release said.

"In the course of the training, participants shared stories of suffering and trauma they experienced under Saddam Hussein and during the wars in which Iraq has participated, including the most recent war with the US and the subsequent occupation," CPT said. "Trainees said they feel compelled to use their suffering for peacemaking instead of avenging wrongs done to them."

Muslim peacemakers and CPT are planning for future trainings in other venues around Karbala, according to CPT. Possibilities include training at a university in Karbala and in the surrounding cities of Najaf and Hilla. Contact CPT at P.O. Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; 773-277-0253; or e-mail peacemakers@cpt.org. For more information see www.cpt.org.

Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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