Those of my readers who are able to get to Washington, D.C. this weekend, and who follow the peace witness of Jesus of Nazareth, might be interested in this:
Christian Peace Witness for Iraq will begin with a worship service on Friday, March 16 at Washington National Cathedral to be attended by more than 3,500 people of faith from 48 states, followed by a candlelight procession through the center of our nation’s capital, where thousands will surround the White House bearing the light of peace, and 700 will risk arrest by remaining in prayer in front of the White House. The service begins at 7 p.m., and the White House vigil will begin at 10:30 p.m. It will be the largest Christian peace demonstration, as well as the largest single civil disobedience action at the White House, since the beginning of the Iraq war four years ago.
More than 190 Christian and interfaith peace vigils and actions will also be held around the country in conjunction with Christian Peace Witness for Iraq– including large-scale acts of moral civil disobedience organized by Christian Peace Witness coalition member group the Declaration of Peace.
I just got an email message about this today from Katie Barge at Faith in Public Life, and am happy to pass it along to you. Want to attend, and help surround the White House with prayers? — Friday, March 16, 2007, 7 pm, at the National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016-5098. More info.
Update: My Quaker friend, Elizabeth, who lives in Washington, said she can put me up for this event, so I’ll be there. Hope to see some of you there, too!
I just heard about this today. That’s the funny thing about Washington; I live within about a ten-minute of the White House but never get the news. Perhaps I’ll drop on over after work.
But the retro “let’s get arrested in front of the White House” business. Lord, like there’s not enough real work or a better use of the trouble (or the police.)
Will there be Muslim groups?
Scott — I know, I wish the liberals would get over their obsession with recreating the 60’s. On the other hand, I’m all about praying for peace and standing in public witness for the pacifist teachings of Jesus.
Bill — My understanding is this is definitely Christian. Though I’m assuming they’ll tolerate post-Christians like me.