Brethren help sponsor Christian peace witness on war anniversary.

A "Christian Peace Witness for Iraq" is planned for Washington, D.C., on March 16-17, marking the fourth anniversary of the Iraq war. Two Church of the Brethren ministries--the Brethren Witness/ Washington Office of the General Board and On Earth Peace--are among organizations partnering to sponsor the event. Others include Christian Peacemaker Teams, Every Church a Peace Church, as well the American Friends Service Committee, Mennonite Church USA Peace and Justice Support Network, and other peace fellowships and ministries.

The Brethren Witness/ Washington Office hopes to have a large number of Brethren participate, said in an announcement. The witness will begin 7 p.m. Friday evening, March 16, with an ecumenical worship service at the Washington National Cathedral. A candlelight procession to the White House will take place after the worship service, with a prayer vigil following.

On Saturday morning, March 17, Brethren are invited to gather at 9 a.m. at Washington City Church of the Brethren for breakfast. Following the breakfast, all are encouraged to participate in a March 17 national protest titled "March on the Pentagon," commemorating the fourth anniversary of the Iraq War and calling for the withdrawal of US troops. The march will assemble at 12 noon at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

"We believe it is imperative that members of the Church of the Brethren raise their voices in protest against the current direction of our nation's foreign policy, specifically in regards to the Iraq war," said an announcement from the Brethren Witness/ Washington Office. An invitation from On Earth Peace invited those not attending the event in person to join in prayers and preparation for nonviolent resistance in their own contexts. The website for the event (www.christianpeacewitness.org) offers suggestions for participation in congregations and communities around the country.

Participants are asked to register at www.christianpeacewitness.org (registration is required for the worship service at the National Cathedral). For more about the March 17 event go to http://answer.pephost.org/site/News2?abbr=ANS_&page=NewsArticle&id=8107. Brethren planning to attend are requested to communicate with the Brethren Witness/ Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org.

Source: 2/14/2007 Newsline