Join the EPF Iraq War Action Group here
Group Conveners: Hal Hayek Madeleine Beard
What’s new: The Truth Commission on Conscience in War:
The Truth Commission on Conscience in War (conscienceinwar.org) is the first nationwide attempt to critically examine the questions of conscience facing our nation’s service members, military regulations governing freedom of conscience, and the moral and spiritual injuries of war. The Commission launched on March 21, 2010 with a Public Hearing at the historic Riverside Church in New York City. The hearing brought together a diverse group of over 50 Co-Sponsors and 80 Commissioners to receive testimony from 14 veterans and experts. Several EPF members attended and Martha Gardner (Newark) was the EPF commissioner.
On November 11th (Veteran’s Day and EPF’s founding day) The Commission will gather to worship and release their findings and recommendations at the National City Christian Church in Washington, DC.
The next day, November 12th there will be a Teach-in on Conscientious Objection. This public conference will educate people about the Truth Commission Report and its recommendations. Speakers will feature legal experts, religious leaders, veterans, and chaplains. Special attention will be paid to the reasons for Selective Conscientious Objection. As a sponsoring organization Episcopal Peace Fellowship invites our members to join in these two events. If you are able to attend one or both events please let our Executive Director, Jackie Lynn know at 312-922-8628 or epfnational.org.
Educate your representatives in Washington to end the war, support development and support: legislative resources here
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Help our Action Group Write letters to the Episcopal congressional representatives. Please write to Madeleine Beard if you’re interested.
Work to End the U.S. occupation of Iraq: We call our government to immediately begin an orderly process of withdrawing U.S. troops and closing U.S. bases with a timetable supported by the Iraqi people, and to work toward an end to funding the war.
Help Iraqis hurt by war. We support relief efforts for Iraqis whose lives have been shattered by this war. We call our government to make reparations and to fund international reconstruction, with particular concern for those forced from their homes. Please include the names of the Americans and the Iraqis killed each week in Prayers of the People. We e-mail this information each Wednesday. If you would like to receive this, please contact Sara Filipiak.;
Help our troops hurt by war: We commit to a ministry of healing and justice for those who have served in our armed forces and their loved ones. We pray for soldiers and their families, please include the names of the Americans and the Iraqis killed each week in Prayers of the People. We e-mail this information each Wednesday. If you would like to receive this, please contact Sara Filipiak.; We call our government to provide generous support for veterans to heal their physical, mental and spiritual wounds and to rebuild their lives.
RESOURCES
Christian Peace Witnes for Iraq. With this group we have had two Large events in Washington DC:
On March 16, 2007, 5,000 participants worshiped and witnessed at the National Cathedral and marched to the White House to pray for an end to the war. For news reports of this event, click here. For the service itself and Episcopal reflections from that event, click here.
In June of 2008 the CPWI had a Partner Retreat in Montreat, NC. To read about that retreat please click here. Upcoming CPWI events include a young adult gathering in the fall and a DC gathering in the spring of 2009.
Eyes Wide Open Host your state’s boots in your community. American soldier’s boots and Iraqi Shoes of those killed in Iraq. American Friends Service Committee can provide state exhibits.
Cost of War: The US is spending $720 million dollars a day – American Friends Service Committee has brochures and banners appropriate for hanging in your parish or community. Provides the economic statistics regarding funding for the war and what it means for your state.
National Priorities Project: Provides the economic statistics regarding funding for the war and what it means for your state.
United for Peace and Justice: Largest Peace Coalition in the country organizing against the war in Iraq and a potential war in Iran
Reflections from Christian Peace Witness 2007
Christian Peace Witness 2007
