Brethren Witness/Washington Office highlights upcoming peace events.

The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office is encouraging Brethren participation in upcoming peace-related events: the Seeking Peace Conference, Sept. 8-11, in Indianapolis, Ind.; a March on Washington and three days of action against the war in Iraq, Sept. 24-26; the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21; and "Shift Your Space, Transform the World: Young Adults Connecting Ecumenically for Peace and Justice," Oct. 8-10 in Chicago.

The Seeking Peace Conference Sept. 8-11 will be a multi-faceted and intergenerational gathering providing opportunities to build mentoring relationships and explore practical and intellectual approaches to peace and peacemaking. Sponsored in part by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace, the conference will feature workshops and seminars, a large book table and resource center, applications for all careers, youth participation, fellowship, and biblical, dynamic worship. For more information contact the office at 800-785-3246 or visit www.plowsharesproject.org.

The days of action against the war in Iraq, Sept. 24-26, will begin with a march, rally, and festival Saturday, Sept. 24 in Washington D.C. Brethren are encouraged to gather at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office (337 North Carolina Ave. SE), at 10 a.m. to march together to join the larger rally at the Washington Monument (watch for the Church of the Brethren display table on the mall). Other scheduled events include an interfaith religious service and day of grassroots training on Sept. 25, and a large-scale grassroots lobbying day and mass nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience on Sept. 26. For more information call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office or visit www.brethren.org or www.unitedforpeace.org. Contact the office for assistance in scheduling lobbying visits on Sept. 26.

Brethren are invited to join people from around the world in observing the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. The vision for this day is a global cease-fire, as well as lifting up the principles of nonviolence. The day was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, with the intention of setting aside a specific time for the UN and its member states to promote the ideals of peace. "We understand that this is only a symbolic day, but one that can and should raise the consciousness of peacemakers in all places. The challenge is to transform this symbolic day into reality," commented Phil Jones, office director. The day is supported by the World Council of Churches (WCC) as the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Resources are available at www.overcomingviolence.org/peace2005. Brethren may commit to a peace vigil and record the information at www.idpvigil.com/commitment. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for more peace-related resources or assistance in vigil promotion.

"Shift Your Space Transform the World," Oct. 8-10, is for young adult leaders in peace and justice work to build ecumenical connections. Seminarians, students, and youth delegates to the WCC's 9th Assembly will find links with the vision for peace promoted by the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV). Activities will include participation in peace and justice projects, an action with the Chicago chapter of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, time for sharing resources, space for theological reflection with leaders in the WCC and member communions, and a visioning process with members of the US DOV Committee. The Church of the Brethren is represented on the committee by Phil Jones of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace. Young adults are invited to stay in Chicago to attend the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the WCC and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event, Oct. 10-12. Scholarships are available for Brethren who need assistance in order to attend. Registration information is available at www.wcc-usa.org. "Shift Your Space Transform the World" will cost $75 for the event, food and hostel-style lodging; or $35 without lodging. Registration deadline is Sept. 16.

Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top