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On
December 1, 2002, Religious of the Sacred Heart joined their prayers in
a Society-wide Day of Prayer for Peace; on January 18, 2003, we marched
together with thousands of other peacemakers around the world in
rallies and peace demonstrations against an impending war with Iraq.
Will our global outcries for peace be heard by decision makers? On this
site, we, RSCJ from around the world, want to share some of our
perspectives, reflections and insights, motivations and testimonies.
RSCJ join the peace march, Washington, DC
Photo: courtesy of Kit Collins, rscj
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RSCJ carry the banner for peace and justice
Photo: courtesy of Kit Collins, rscj
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RSCJ march for peace in San Francisco
Photo: courtesy of Joan Hopkins, rscj
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A child participates in the DC march
Photo: courtesy of Kit Collins, rscj
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A giant dove flies in Washington, DC
Photo: courtesy of Kit Collins, rscj
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Magee
Cappelli, Dody (a Quaker woman who traveled with us on the bus from
Newton; also a friend of Mary Sessions), Mary Jane Sullivan, Mariann
Burke, Elizabeth Snedden (from Australia/NZ)
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Peace March, Washington, DC
Photo: courtesy of Kit Collins, rscj
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Magee Cappelli, Maggie Kilduff, Rose Canney, CSJ, of the 1004 Cushinng St. Community
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A valentine for peace at the antiwar rally in Indonesia
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Perspective from Washington, D.C.
Together
with hundreds of thousands of other peacemakers in Tokyo, London,
Paris, Madrid, and Moscow, RSCJ from around the USA marched on
Saturday, January 18, 2003, in Washington, DC to voice their opposition
to war against Iraq. A half million people gathered on the Mall for a
massive rally and march: young and old, little children and war
veterans, college students and grandparents, people in wheelchairs or
on crutches, novice demonstrators and "old timers", they all had come
out despite the freezing temperatures to make use of their fundamental
human right of freedom of expression. "This is what democracy looks
like" was one of the chants that echoed through the streets of Capitol
Hill and Navy Yard in Washington DC. "What do we want? PEACE. When do
we want it? NOW." Many of these peace-loving demonstrators had been on
buses for many hours and had come from places as far away as Minnesota
to walk their truth.
We were about 12 RSCJ from New York, Albany, St. Louis, Houston and
Washington DC who joined together in DC with colleagues and friends,
while meeting alums along the way. Carrying our new banner (designed by
the CEDC) saying "RSCJ for Peace & Justice, Religious of the Sacred
Heart, U.S. Province", we added to the myriad of placards and signs.
That participating in this march was not a question mark
for me became once again clear when I exited the metro station. Seeing
the ocean of peacemakers, something leaped inside of me and for the
next four hours I saw and felt a new dimension of our Cor Unum: not
just with my sisters walking next to me, but also with my fellow
marchers in DC and beyond, with RSCJ marching their truth around the
world, with all those people who had asked me explicitly to be their
feet that Saturday or whose prayerful support I carried with me. I came
home, changed.
Cecile Meijer, rscj
Perspective from San Francisco
Twelve
years ago this very month, the present U.S. president’s father, marched
the U.S. and a few other countries into a war that bombed Iraq back to
the Middle Ages. The infrastructure of that country was incredibly
affected. It was a quick war: down and dirty; in and out; show your
power and get out. There were U.S. protests back then that I can
remember well. In San Francisco, we marched from the Presidio Army base
(which is no longer an army base) along the Marina. Our numbers were
large. We did something about every month from August until January.
Then, on January 15th, the day before George Bush, Sr., began ordering
the first bombs be dropped on Iraq, 50,000 of us gathered in front of
the U.S. federal building in San Francisco to blockade it, which
largely shut the building down. The following day, January 16th, we
were back there and the bombing had begun. Many, many people were
arrested that day.
The 50,000 people of 1991 paled in
comparison with the numbers of people who turned out today for the west
coast march against the U.S.-proposed war on Iraq. Bandied about in the
crowd was the figure of 500,000. I’m never that good with numbers; all
I really know with certainty is that the number was legion. The breadth
of age was stunning: infants in strollers, grade school children with
parents, adolescents, young adults, older adults, and, of course, the
middle aged, like me. A range of posters was carried: Religious of the
Sacred Heart for Peace; No War for Oil; Make Up, Not War; Walking for
Peace; An Eye for an Eye Means the Whole World Will Soon Be Blind;
Quakers for Peace; Dogs for Peace—you get the picture. I knew this was
going to be big when Annie Wachter, Joanie Hopkins, and I tried to use
the BART train to get down to the gathering point, but BART had quit
making stops at the gathering point because it was just too jammed with
people. We had to get off at the station before, and then try to plow
our way through the throngs to get down to the pre-determined meeting
place where we’d hook up with Liz Fisher, Lydia Cho, and Barb Dawson. I
was in awe of the tens of thousands of people. People were in good
spirits. They seemed genuinely happy to be there—not because of the
circumstance, no. What I read into their happiness was this: the U.S.
government and its media has done a fairly decent job of masking the
fact that there is any dissent in this country for U.S. policies
regarding the Middle East—whether that was the U.S. war against
Afghanistan, or now, the proposed U.S. war against Iraq. If one were to
count solely on the U.S. mass media news for her analysis of events,
she’d likely be thinking after a while, “Am I the only one who opposes
this insanity?” So, now, here we were. We were no longer alone. We were
collectively saying, “No, not in my name. No, not in our names!” It was
remarkable, energizing, hopeful, and fun!
Who knows the effect of the marches today in San Francisco, Washington,
D.C., other U.S. cities, Tokyo, Cairo, Paris, Moscow. I’m a firm
believer that we need people to march against war, that we need people
to protest war, that we need people to risk arrest about war.
Otherwise, I believe, the bar keeps getting moved further and further
to the right as to what is acceptable behavior for an imperial power.
When its citizens withdraw consent, when its citizens say, “no,” then a
government has to notice. I know that we in the U.S. Province have
called the White House hot line about the war. I know that people have
written their elected representatives. I know that we daily storm
heaven. We need to keep making our voices heard on as many fronts as
possible: heaven, cities, sovereign governments, churches, schools,
places of work, families, communities.
Mary Kay Hunyady, rscj
Perspective from Britain
The
debate about the war is raging here in Britain as we seem to move
closer and closer to a decision to go to war with Iraq. Most people
oppose Tony Blair's close alliance with Bush. Anti-Americanism is rife
and unjust. Perhaps its source is in our own shame that Blair has not
played the restraining role we were assured he would play. Many people,
including most of the churches, consider that this war would be immoral
even were the UN to back it. Never before have the churches, from the
House of Bishops of the Church of England to our own Bishops
Conference, spoken out so clearly and strongly against the direction
the British government is taking.
I
can only speak for myself. I feel sick at the prospect of the suffering
of my brothers and sisters in Iraq, suffering which will be inflicted
in my name as a citizen of a so-called democracy. In the trains and
buses, ordinary people are asking "if Saddam has these weapons and is
the type of guy they claim him to be, then common sense says that you
don't ignite the fire". That's the street wisdom but people feel
powerless as the troops go out and security alerts multiply - all part
of a well-orchestrated propoganda aimed at softening us up? We don't
know.
It is a known fact that Blair has not got the
party, let alone the country, behind him but we seem to be like animals
frozen in the headlights of a rolling juggernaut - we protest, we
debate it on TV and radio, military experts say it's mad, the Bishop of
the armed forces has said it is immoral, the Muslim community and now
this week Asylum seekers risk becoming the scapegoats. It is indeed an
"out of the depths we cry to you" situation. If there are high numbers
of civilian casualties in Britain we will only have ourselves to answer
to, because our government is pursuing a dangerous policy that risks
global instability and violent chain reactions in the already volatile
Middle East.
Surely we can find an alternative to war
and bloodshed? When will we focus on the most dangerous enemies of
peace: poverty, racism, and the injustice meeted out to the Palestinian
people?
"We must learn that there is no security apart
from a common security - a global security. Our weapons cannot finally
protect us, only a world where most people feel secure will truly be
safe for us and our children. Micah and Martin Luther King urge that we
go deeper - to the resentments, angers, insecurities, and injustices
embedded in the very structures of today's world. They knew well the
cruel connection between poverty and war." (Jim Wallis)
We
have to pray, to voice the lament, to fast…Thank you for suggesting
this forum where we can own to our sister RSCJs in other countries,
that we oppose our government's actions.
We need, as never before, to see ourselves as one human family and to cry out together "NO MORE WAR"
Mary Hinde, rscj
Perspectives from Japan
One RSCJ in Japan wrote:
Here in Japan the network of various religious groups along with
civilian groups has been organizing anti-war protests quite regularly
and in various parts of the country. Several RSCJ, both Japanese and
foreign residents, have joined some of these demonstrations to be in
solidarity with all who strongly oppose and are deeply concerned about
the prospect of a war against Iraq. We feel so helpless, and are
grateful that groups have become more and more present and vocal. We
are speaking out against USA, ie. Bush intentions, and against the
Japanese government, people who comply so readily to what USA expects
of them. It is such a help to put one's body, one's actions where the
intention and the people participating are compatible. I'm not sure if
that makes sense: The sense of aloneness and helplessness is so
powerful, joining an antiwar demonstration gives some sense of having
spoken out, been seen and heard, and at least walked the talk, so to
say.
This same religious network has started a SIT IN anti war
protest at the American Embassy in Tokyo. Everyday a different group
takes the responsibility to show up.
We have also been
passing around e-mail messages of protest, such as the Move-On
organization's efforts; so it has become quite international. Do you
think their efforts are having any effect? Is it quite visible in USA
media? They report that they received a lot of coverage. Are you all
aware of it?
Our bishop in charge of J&P National
Network, Goro Matsuura, started a PEACE 9 movement which we have helped
spread around, but I do not know who or how many have joined. He is
trying to make the Japanese Constitution's article 9 into a National
Treasure; as well as to insist that it be followed. People are
encouraged to form small groups, as small as 3 persons, to study, pray,
and share about this issue.
Article 9 states:
- “Aspiring
sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the
Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation
and the threat or use of force as means of settling international
disputes.
- In order to accomplish the aim of
the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other
war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of
the state will not be recognized."
Of
course over the years this has been ignored - the self-defense force is
like an army; and the USA security umbrella, when really looked into,
is appalling. Now that grassroots groups are growing and becoming more
active, some of these long-term issues are being addressed more
publicly. But most people feel this is to no avail; nothing will
change, etc. There is truth to that given the Japanese way; but through
our passivity and non-participation we are conniving in the
government's ways, in the long run. Don't you think?
I
really like what Mary Driscoll wrote in a note to us: the Dominicans
have been in Iraq for 200 years. USA OPs have issued a sticker saying
'My family is in Iraq.' YES!
And another RSCJ in Japan shared:
Yes, RSCJ have attended anti-war demos three times in the last six
months. We attended because we felt that we had to make some external
manifestation of our complete disagreement with the war proposal. The
two demos I attended were very different. The first began with formal
speeches from members of the Opposition parties and other bodies.
Representatives came from all over Honshu, mostly people in their 40s,
50s, 60s, and 70s. It was rather serious and there were very few youth.
The
second demonstration began with a concert, with a famous modern singer
from Okinawa--mostly youth, more than 5000 in all. It was a delightful
demo, accompanied by drums, flutes and cymbals and some participants in
national or fancy costume. The police entered into the spirit of the
march and waved us gaily along with smiles and good-humoured nods. It
was truly a march for PEACE and rather resembled a Shinto Festival.
Awhile
ago, my memory fails me when, I sent out some kind of appeal or at
least wanted to do so, to the outside world, to let people know about
the Japanese Constitution, Article 9, and to pressure Japan from
outside to follow it more honestly: NO MORE WAR! Now I wish to
beg the Japanese to pressure Bush and cronies not to go to war. It
can't be left to Americans only. I know there are others doing this and
thinking the same way, but people around me seem to be quite passive.
Indonesia: Women Against War
A Catholic nun and a Muslim woman participate in an antiwar rally at
the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta. During the rally
on Friday evening, dozens of women from the Women's Alliance Against
War lit candles and held banners as well as distributed flyers to
motorists. Since last week, prominent public figures have joined small
groups of protesters outside the French, German, Russian and Chinese
embassies, appealing to their governments to do more to prevent the war
in Iraq. JP/IGGP Bayu Ismoyo (Jakarta Post)
Perspectives From Boston and New York
Did you know that 6 of us from the Boston Area traveled with Newton Dialogues on Peace and War
in 3 buses to join the anti-war/peace rally in New York City on
February 15th? Some tried to meet up with RSCJ from New York, but the
crowds made that impossible.
We left Riverside at 6:30 AM, the roads to ourselves on a Saturday morning.
When
we passed other tour buses, I wondered if they were joining us. As we
went further west and then into Connecticut I saw more and more buses
and some vans and cars with signs indicating they were on the way to
New York to call for no war in Iraq. The momentum was building already.
When we arrived we joined other groups form Massachusetts in front of
Rockefeller Center. With them we fed into the movement toward 1st Ave.
But it was at least 2 hours before we ever saw 1st Ave. and by then we
were at 68th Street. It was thrilling to be part of such a movement of
humanity calling our U.S. leadership to pull back from the precipice we
are on.
I was inspired by the pictures of other RSCJ
in Washington and San Francisco at peace rallies in the recent weeks;
we all felt very glad to be part of this movement.
And here is a quote from Rose Canney, CSJ, that she sent to her community, applies to us also:
"I'm glad I was there. You were there as well--for as it has been said many times, where there is one CSJ, we are all there."
Voices
•
I participated because I wanted to publicly stand up and be counted as
one who is against going to war with Irag. It was important to me to do
this with as many other people as possible because together we have a
stronger voice.
Mary Charlotte Chandler, rscj
•
I went to Washington because sometimes you just have to put your body
where your words are... I felt it was important to stand with so many
others (in this country and elsewhere) to make a voice for peace heard.
Two days later, I was able to participate in the March for Peace in
downtown St. Louis.
Ellen Collesano, rscj
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I came fueled by anger and I leave more convinced than ever that "the
bearers of tomorrow's transformation" are the truly nonviolent, those
who pray and fast and work for peace.
Carol Bialock, rscj
•
I went to the SF demonstration with folks from our diocese and with
some of the students from the Franciscan School of Theology and the
Jesuit School of Theology. I went because I have come to believe that
the only way the administration is going to pay attention to those of
who want peace is to make public statements against the war and for
peace by our physical presence in public places.
For me, the
gathering on Saturday was one of the most hopeful experiences I've had
in a long time. It was, for me, a sacramental experience.
Barbara Dawson, rscj
• We marched for two reasons:
1)
We feel that the present leadership in Washington is undermining our
democracy by rushing to war without sufficient reason publicly and
convincingly shared; and 2) Felisa Garcia had it exactly right when she distributed buttons to us saying: "No Blood for Oil".
The damage that is done to the earth by our dependence on oil and a war
to obtain more oil distresses us. We wish we could be finding ways to
be less dependent on fossil fuel and ways to save the earth rather
waging war to secure more oil! These reasons are the result of a
discernment in our community and this is why Mavi and I went to
Washington.
Joan Kirby, rscj and Mavi Coakley, rscj
•
My sense of urgency at this time of moral crisis in our country brought
me to join tens of thousands of other people who came to Washington to
take a stand, to march against war, to beg for God's peace on this
earth. For me, it was an act of conscience, an act of hope that our
government, our representatives, ourselves would draw new courage to
speak out, to vote out, to stop the madness. As we walked together, we
knew we were there with and for so many others from all over the world
whom we carried in our hearts and from whom we draw greater resolve.
Kit Collins, rscj
•
The experience of being with 200 thousand people united by a common
desire for peace was profoundly satisfying, and to be with a small
contingent of RSCJs with"RSCJs for Peace" banners was exhilarating.
Joan Hopkins, rscj
• "I
participated in the march for peace because I needed to be with others
who seek peace; I was overwhelmed with the crowds and thrilled to be a
part it. It gave me hope, a sense of solidarity, and I believe it sent
a message to our government.
Anne Wachter RSCJ
•
One of the most impressive things about the weekend was that ANSWER did
not leave the youth out. On Sunday there was the "March to the
Presidential Palace (White House) for a Youth & Student Weapons
Inspection:" It was so appropriate since George Bush believes that the
UN weapons inspections have the right to look into every building in
Iraq, then we should have a right to check out his Presidential Palace.
It's our schools that have gone without funding and it's our social
programs that have been cut to pay for the US government's weapons of
mass destruction. Go kids go!
Betsy Hartson, rscj
•
I participated on the march because I want to express my hope for the
justice in an action. And also, I wanted to be supportive to the people
in the march as to be a member. Being in the group gave me a strong
sense of hope, I was empowered by the people, and I felt the strong
power of God in us.
Lydia Cho, RSCJ
•
I was impressed by the number of young people attending the rally and
walk, and also the number of children, brought by their parents and
taught by them what it was all about... I was thrilled with the number
of people taking part and the carefulness with which the posters and
signs were made - legible and dignified (for the most part).
Jan McNabb, rscj
•
Why did I participate in the peace rallies October 26 and again this
past Saturday, January 18? Well, I am not a pacifist. . . And I don't
agree with some of the key positions of ANSWER (the group that
organized both protest days) and I mistrust that group. ANSWER
deliberately hypes the numbers and then blames the press for
"minimizing" the turnout. From my position in the crowd at the October
gathering, I say, to my dismay, the ANSWER leaders deliberately try to
provoke a melee with the police (presumably to get better TV coverage)
even though the group had promised all comers--many different
organizations-- a non-violent event. Fortunately Jesse Jackson
intervened and prevented violence, but I lost what little respect I had
for ANSWER at that point. . . And I do worry about my responsibility
for "the company I keep."
So why did I participate?
First, I am deeply afraid a U.S. led War against Iraq may escalate into
a wider war--in the Middle East and maybe beyond. While I think Saddam
Hussein does have weapons of mass destruction; I agree with critics who
argue that the international community is currently deterring him from
renewed use of those weapons--while an invasion may provoke him to do
so. Second, even if the Iraqi people turn out to be glad to be
liberated from Saddam Hussein, that does not mean they want to be
occupied by the United States Army. I fear U.S. soldiers will be as
despised by the Iraqis, as Israeli soldiers are despised by the
Palestinians. Finally, I want to uphold a major international norm
against preventive war--except under a situation of most dire and
immediate threat to human well-being, and I do not think that situation
obtains.
What does the experience of participating
mean to me? I find it very contemplative and communal. I love to
observe all the different people who come, different ages and
backgrounds and motivations. Especially I love to read the hand-written
signs, like: "Rigorous Containment, Not War" "Try Weapons of Mass
Salvation." "I didn't vote for an American Empire." "Franciscans for
Peace." I love the fact that people who participate talk freely and
graciously with one another. I learn so much--not just where people are
from but why they thought they needed to come. I see people easily and
gladly sharing food and kleenex and information and directions to the
open Metro entrances. . . . It's great.
My own signs
weren't so creative, but expressed my position. In October, just prior
to the Election, I carried one that says: "Regime Change Begins at
Home: Vote!" This time I carried one that says: "No Iraq War."
Marilyn McMorrow, rscj
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