Three Christian Peacemaker Teams workers freed in Baghdad.

Three Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) workers who disappeared in Iraq four months ago have been freed. CPT confirmed news reports this morning that the hostages--Harmeet Singh Sooden, Jim Loney and Norman Kember--were freed without violence by British and US military.

Tom Fox, the fourth CPT worker who disappeared Nov. 26, 2005, was found dead in Baghdad on March 9. A group called Swords of Righteousness Brigades had claimed responsibility for taking the men hostage, and videos of the men had been shown on Al Jazeera television.

"Our hearts were filled with joy today as we heard that Harmeet Singh Sooden, Jim Loney and Norman Kember have been safely released in Baghdad," said CPT in a statement today. "Christian Peacemaker Teams rejoices with their families and friends at the expectation of their return to their loved ones and community. Together we have endured uncertainty, hope, fear, grief and now joy during the four months since they were abducted in Baghdad."

"Sisters and brothers, praise be to God! Harmeet, Jim, and Norman have been freed!" said an e-mail from On Earth Peace, sent out this morning. On Earth Peace co-executive director Bob Gross said in the e-mail, "We are eager for them to return home to their families and friends.... Thanks be to God!" On Earth Peace is a Church of the Brethren agency with a close relationship to CPT.

CNN reported that no captors were present early this morning when the three were freed from a house in western Baghdad, following information received from a "detainee who was captured the night before," CNN said. All three were well, unhurt, and safe, a British embassy official told CNN. The men were reported to be in the British embassy in Baghdad.

"We remember with tears Tom Fox," CPT said. "Our gladness today is made bittersweet by the fact that Tom is not alive to join in the celebration. However, we are confident that his spirit is very much present in each reunion."

The CPT statement added, "During these past months, we have tasted of the pain that has been the daily bread of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis: Why have our loved ones been taken? Where are they being held? Under what conditions? How are they? Will they be released? When?.... We continue to pray for a swift and joyful homecoming for the many Iraqis and internationals who long to be reunited with their families. We renew our commitment to work for an end to the war and the occupation of Iraq as a way to continue the witness of Tom Fox. We trust in God's compassionate love to show us the way."

Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. For more information go to www.cpt.org.

Source: 3/23/Newsline Special Report
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