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Submitted by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , May 2, 2003

When I pray for peace,I pray not only that the enimies of my own country may cease to want war,butabove all that my own country will cease to do the things that make war inevitable._ Thomas Merton

Here is a great web site on peace...
http://www.bigpicturesmallworld.com/winningpeace.html

I'm very distressed to read on our religious web-site some comments that were submitted. As a true Catholic woman I beleive very strongly in PEACE. I do know how senseless this war is. I pray that George Bush, Cathy and Barbara will see this and try praying for PEACE not war to create a better world.
She could not be a product of the Sacred Heart and make such comments.

I wasimpressed with Barbara's Modest Proposal as posted on March 30,2003 as a comment to Marching Our Truth at Home and Beyond. I'm worried that some web-site readers won't understand the message since many of the "intelligentsia" left the Order when it imploded in the late 60's and 70's. The meeting place chosen for the peace march is very interesting; As some know, the location for the World Trade Center was Church and Liberty Streets. I'm sure that it was just an oversight that the Modest Proposal didn't remind everyone to send letters of protest against the war to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Doesnt any understand people live and have homes and children in bagdad, bush doesnt listen to what othere people have to say, i mean think about it, nearly thw whole word say no war, but does he care, he thinks just because he is what is he, makes him differrent, and what i dont understand is that because of one single man,our whole world has to be put in danger,it is terrible what he is doing, and oh my god iraqi men and people dont have a chosse to be in the army or to go to war, they are sent there, if bush was there and living in iraq he would think differrently, i just turned 13 and i can just hear my mum crying on the phone because we have family in bagdad, please dont let one man role the world, the world isnt going to get any better by magic, its us human being's to look after it.x. somethings i wake up hoping this is all just a bad dream,war isnt going to help, but hey, why do i even bother if bush cant listen to the whole world not to go into war then why would the rich bitch selfish stoilt, only care about the money and not poor people who live on the streets and who have homes there listen to me. ?

TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE RSCJ COMMUNITY, CHOSEN SOLDIERS, CHILDREN OF THE SACRED HEART
RE: A MODEST PEACE PROPOSAL

Wage peace, not war. This is the message that we must convey to the President of the United States and to the British Prime Minister who have agreed to engage in a terrible and senseless war. We intend to march in protest of their actions in New York in April. Please join us.

It cannot be denied that this war is being fought against a brutal and tyrannical head of state who gases, mutilates, and executes his own countrymen; however, all peaceful and rational means to resolve the conflict have not been thoroughly investigated. There has been a rush to armed aggression without a true attempt to determine what would satisfy this ruler.

There will be those who will refuse to join our protest and who will continue to actively support the military of the United States and other allied forces in this unwarranted aggression. Please remember that these misguided souls who refuse to march for peace may have been taught values that are different from ours. They may believe that all that it takes for the forces of evil to triumph in this world is for a few good men and women to do nothing. They may also mistakenly believe that the absence of conflict is not necessarily peace. Please pray for them.

We will march for peace. We will assemble in lower Manhattan, on Church Street, between Liberty and Vesey Streets, at noon on April 1,1944. From that location we will march to an as yet undesignated pier. From there we intend to board ferries to the Statue of Liberty and continue our protest against this unjustified war. Those who wish may swim. Those who cannot join us in New York should send letters to the Pope and voice support for his views regarding this conflict.

We who will march know that peace must be secured at any price. An attempt is being made to reach the former British PM, Neville Chamberlain. It is hoped that he can lead us in our march. "St. Michael and All the Angels" will be sung in French.

It seems that war is imminent.
I have been opposed to the proposed United States invasion of Iraq, for the purpose of removing the regime of Saddam Hussein.
Even so, I have never had moral certainty that my opposition is the right decision. (It may be good not to have moral certainty; perhaps the moral certainty of President Bush and his colleagues is at the root of this terrible situation.)
In any case, if I have been wrong in my moral judgments about opposing this war, as an educator, I want to face up to that.
Here are some benchmarks I am going to be holding out, to use to assess my own moral judgments in days to come.
1) Will the invading troops actually find hidden weapons of mass destruction, weapons Saddam has claimed he does not have?
2) Are the Iraqis jubliant at the removal of Saddam Hussein? Do they challenge us with questions like: What took you so long? Why did you support this regime so long?
3) Do the ordinary troops welcome the chance not to fight, not to resist?
4) Do the invading soldiers actually take pains to protect civilians?
5) Do the invading troops find torture chambers? Do the Human Rights NGOs that will move in find credible accounts of brutality? Do we begin to learn from the Iraqis about disappeared members of their families?

I know there will be propaganda on all sides, but I think it will be possible, in time, to know the answers to those questions. Those answers will help me assess my benchmarks.

Ce qui m'a impressionnée dans cette Marche pour la Paix, c'est le calme et le séreux des participants (environ 8O.OOO, ce qui, pour un si petit pays, signifie une forte conviction):pas de cris, pas d'agitation, peu de slogans "contre", mais un soulîvement de toute la société civile "pour": pour la paix, pour l'avenir (beaucoup d'enfants marchaient avec leurs parents), pour une solidarité avec les pauvres, les souffrants, les opprimés, les "sans-voix" qui sont toujours les premiers î subir les conséquences de la guerre. J'ai eu le sentiment qu'î travers le monde entier, était en train de naître une nouvelle conscience de notre responsabilité, î chacun et chacune, pour que l'équilibre mondial ne soit plus fondé sur la domination du plus fort, mais sur la volonté de tous d'arriver î vivre ensemble. Même si ces marches ne devaient pas obtenir ce qu'elles voulaient, elles auront changé une certaine vision de la dignité humaine et de notre interdépendance dans la recherche d'un monde plus juste et plus aimant.

Thank you for this opportunity to join the RSCJ worldwide in praying and acting for peace. My image of this projected war is a repeat of "the kiling fields". Thank you also to Mary Jane Sullivan rscj who makes sure that the Boston Associates are part of all efforts in this peace process.

Como la inmensa mayoria de la humanidad, si estas CONTRA la guerra que se
esta preparando,
CONTRA una guerra lanzada para apropiarse del petroleo,
CONTRA una guerra que va a masacrar a mujeres, niños, civiles, pero que no
tocara a los terroristas, que estaran bien lejos de Bagdad en el momento de
los bombardeos !,
CONTRA un conflicto que instaurara el precedente de la "guerra preventiva",
permitiendo a no importa quién atacar a no importa quién, bajo el pretexto
que sus intereses estan amenazados
CONTRA una guerra programada, decidida, con desprecio a las opiniones
publicas que se han expresado claramente en las manifestaciones.
Esta guerra es también una guerra de IMAGENES: para "probar" la presencia de
armas químicas en Irak, Colin Powell blandió un frasco de agua mineral en la
TV !!!

FABRIQUEMOS NOSOTROS UNA IMAGEN QUE PARALIZE DE VERGUENZA A BUSCH Y A LOS PETROLEROS !!!
UNA IMAGEN SIN TRUCOS, INCONTESTABLE, UNA IMAGEN QUE REFLEJE NUESTRAS CONVICCIONES !

EL DOMINGO 9 DE MARZO, ENTRE LAS 20 HORAS Y LA MEDIANOCHE, HORA LOCAL, ENCIENDE UNA LUZ - TAN VISIBLE COMO SEA POSIBLE - UNA VELA, LAMPARA, PROYECTOR - EN TU VENTANA, BALCON, PATIO O JARDIN !

Esta imagen sera vista desde el espacio, fotografiada y filmada por los
satélites y por los aviones, reproducida por los medios. Quedara en los
anales de la humanidad como un testimonio definitivo de la esperanza en un
futuro comun para todas las personas.

CADA HORA, CADA MINUTO, CADA SEGUNDO CUENTA para detener al inmenso ejercito que se esta movilizando.

TRANSMITE ESTE CORREO no a 10 ó 20, sino a 50 de tus amigos o relacionados, tradúcelo, hazlo circular hasta en el extranjero, alerta a los medios !!!
Contra la confiscacion de las imagenes, nos queda el poder de la
imaginacion.

GRACIAS A INTERNET, LA IMAGEN DE UN PLANETA ILUMINADO PUEDE TRANSMITIRSE COMO UN RAYO LUMINOSO!

No te desesperes ! Si la guerra se declara antes del domingo, enciende mas
que nunca esa luz, ella testimoniara para siempre que esta guerra se prepara
contra la voluntad de los pueblos, comenzando por el pueblo americano,
privado de medios de expresión por la apropiacion de la TV por parte del
poder .

NI BUSH NI SADDAM !

LA ONU EXISTE, OTROS MEDIOS DE PRESION DISTINTOS A
LA GUERRA EXISTEN, LA DIPLOMACIA EXISTE.

ENCIENDE TU LUZ EL PROXIMO DOMINGO !

This is an account from an RSCJ from Belium who participated in a demonstration on the day before her 79th birthday:

Thérèse Vercruysse (rscj BNL) a participé à la manifestation du 15 février à Bruxelles. Elle nous partage : « J’étais une personne parmi les 10.000 présentes… Je ne comprends pas la position de Mr Bush. J’ai vécu la guerre en Belgique, étant jeune, et je ne peux l’accepter ou l’imaginer pour d’autres. Un moment d’émotion a été de voir des flots de gens arriver, puis, me retournant, de voir combien ils étaient nombreux arrivant aussi de l’autre côté : j’étais profondément heureuse que tant de gens se soient sentis concernés et se soient déplacés. Ce qui change en moi, c’est de ne pas généraliser, de comprendre que tous les Américains ne pensent pas de la même façon que Mr Bush ! Avec mon sentiment d'impuissance face à cette guerre, je voulais quand même faire quelque chose, et sans hésiter, j'ai participé à cette manifestation!

Dr. Helen Caldicott has asked us to email the Pope at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , asking him , as the only person on earth who can stop this war, to travel to Baghdad and to remain there until a peaceful solution to this crisis has been implemented... I have followed her suggestion, and like her, I beg many people to do the same.

You might want to open the following web page where you can see pictures of demonstrations all of the world: www.hyperreal.org/~dana/marches

Pray for Peace On-line! From the Irish Jesuits
From Sunday February 23rd to March 3rd thousands of people around the world will pray together for Peace in the World at Sacred Space, www.sacredspace.ie;. Each day's prayer will be inspired by the words of John 23rd, first published in Pacem in Terris forty years ago this year. Prayer does make a difference!

FOUR PROVINCIAL TEAMS AND STAFF JOIN PEACE DEMONSTRATION
4 EQUIPOS PROVINCIALES UNIDOS EN UNA MANIFESTACION POR LA PAZ

Llegamos de Canada, México y Puerto Rico a St. Louis en los Estados Unidos el 14 de febrero, día en que celebramos la amistad y el amor. Y en este año 2003, día en que se decidía entre la guerra y la paz. Fecha con muchas contradicciones en los acontecimientos y en los sentimientos.

Al empezar la reunión de ANAM (Antilles, N. America, México,) el deseo común era unirnos a la marcha por la paz el 15 febrero. Queríamos unir nuestra voz al grito del pueblo norteamericano, al clamor del mundo, pidiendo la Paz.

Hemos vivido una fuerte experiencia de solidaridad y de unión con el pueblo de los Estados Unidos; pueblo que se encuentra con todos los pueblos de la tierra para condenar la guerra.
Hemos visto a jóvenes, mujeres, hombres, niños y niñas, gente de toda condición, raza y edad, unidos en una misma búsqueda: la paz. Hemos pensado y rezado por todos los soldados que están ya listos para el ataque.

¡NO SANGRE POR PETRÓLEO! ¡NO A LA GUERRA, NO EN NUESTRO NOMBRE! ¡NO INVERTIR EN LA GUERRA, INVERTIR EN LAS PERSONAS! Fueron algunas de las consignas y nosotras nos unimos a ellas.

Seguimos pidiendo la paz. Sigamos gritando por la paz y hagamos nuestras las palabras de Isaías: “De las espadas forjemos arados y de las lanzas podaderas” ( Is 2, 4 ).

Reforcemos nuestros lazos para que unidas al clamor de los pueblos, transformemos los misiles en semillas de vida y hagamos de los portaaviones puentes de amistad y de encuentro.
- Luz Gutierrez Hermosillo, RSCJ

[translation]
We came from Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico to the United States, to St. Louis, the 14th of February, a day for celebrating friendship and love. And, in the year 2003, it was a day of decision between war and peace. It is a date with many contradicions in our minds and in our hearts.

At the beginning of the ANAM (Antilles, N. America, Mexico) meeting, our common desire was to be united with the peace movement of February 15. We wanted to join our voices with the plea of the North American people and with the resounding outcry of the whole world, begging for peace.

It was a powerful experience of solidarity and union with the people of the United States, people who found that they were one with all people on the earth who condemn this war. We saw young people, women, men, girls and boys, people of all kinds, races and ages, united in the same cause: peace! We thought of and prayed for all the soldiers who have been called up for the invasion.

NO BLOOD FOR OIL! “NO!” TO WAR, NOT IN OUR NAME! “NO!” TO INVESTMENT IN WAR, INVEST IN PEOPLE! These were some of the signs, and we were united with their message.

We continued praying for peace. We continued crying out for peace and heeded the words of Isaiah: "They will turn their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks." (Is. 2,4)

Let us strengthen our ties so that united to the outcry of the people, we can transform the missiles into seeds of life and make of the aircraft carriers bridges for meeting others and for friendship.

Our opinion about American Planning on attacking Iraq:
As far as we read from newspapers and other mass media, the American motivation for attacking Iraq is
a) political: American leaders claim that Iraq has mass and chemical weapons that can bring destruction all over the world instantly. American leaders want to change the Iraqi government-style. In this case, they consider that Saddam Hussein is a dictator, guiding his people not well. So American leaders want to change this governmental style to democracy.
b) Economic reasons: American leaders want to conquer Iraq’s oil source.
These reasons show us that American leaders want to become superior both politically and economically in Iraq and are why they want to attack Iraq. From this planning, our group doesn’t agree because:
War causes big new problems because it takes casualties in people and treasures. The consequences of this war will be borne by the people of Iraq and other countries. We want to inquire, whether this planning is based on rational reason for world peace and welfare or is it based on disguised reason, to be superior both politically and economically? So, we go with the UN steps. The peace is not obtained by war (instantly) but by persisting on diplomacy. Based on this we also go with the step of religious leaders to keep the peace. We hope the religious leaders will rally around the “peace flag” and give the peace resolution an influence on American leaders to change their plan

We do agree with our Bishop’s statement. Iraqis have suffered from the embargoes for many years. One of the causes is Iraq’s governmental system. We agree that there is another way beside war.
I agree with the Pope’s asking a lot of people to pray for the Iraqis so that Iraq can avoid the war and seek approval with the US. On the other side, I don’t agree with the Pope, how he and his team to influence the Iraqi government. This act reminds us about church interfering in political problems. Church history has told us that the church interference could raise another problem. People will think that the church wants to show its power just like in the past. Or maybe our church somehow will show what side it stands for. However, I do agree I should pray for world peace. It’s not about oil. It’s not only about Bush’s prestige. The most important thing above all these is Saddam Hussein’s stubborness. While the USA “want” to be the “world police”, to keep the peace on earth, Saddam keeps trying to rule over the government according to his will. And what is the impact? The Iraqis suffer because of many things, including the embargo. And 12 years after the Gulf War, Saddam has no effort to build up peace, including weapons. I believe the war is bad, but I believe this is the last, better, way to solve the problem I do hope that this “coup d’etat” by the USA will bring peace to the world.
I think we are not going to have a war between the US and Iraq, but Saddam and George Bush. If we see the media – we have to criticize it anyway – they are both trying to mock each other. The question is: are their opinions having relation to the people? Or are they going to show their power to the world?

Our group has two opinions concerning the USA planning to attack Iraq:
1: Agree:
(a) mass destruction weapons must be destroyed for universal life survival. It causes the world worries.
(b)a statement from Iraq scientist that they (the government) are really having a biological weapon but they don’t give the real opportunity to the UN inspectors to prove.
2: Disagree: The war will kill lives, society will be suffering.

What we like to communicate to others: Save Humanity! We doubt that the visit of Indonesian bishop and religious leaders to show their concern on US-Iraq to the Pope will have significant influence. The visit , their sympathy, and their humanity concerns seem to be unable to soften pi-headed US. US doesn’t care at all of whatever people, including Indonesian bishops, say about the war, humanity, or other laudable moral qualities. The only concern of the US is to achieve their own goal whatever the cost, whomever they might victimize that is to show off to the entire people of the world their superiority over others. Then they will single-handedly control over the world. Our concern is that their visit may spread the calling to save humanity! We pray that both Saddam Hussein and George W. Bush share the inclination to create a better world and save honorably human life.

1) The dispute between the USA and Iraq is not based on humanity reasons, but economic and political.
2) Diplomatic approach is needed for humanity and civilization.
3) USA’s government is not representing the American people; thus, we need to distinguish it to prevent prejudice in our thought.

Two of us don’t agree that war is the way to handle the crisis. War is not good at all. It destroys everything that people had built. War kills civilized people. The family is separated from each other. A father lost a son, a husband his wife, etc. War is also wasting money which can be used for another purpose like to help the poor. War is the last choice for the crisis. But if the weapons are a threat for the world’s peace, then let the war begin. Iraq must be honest with the world and the UN. We prefer the choice of a peaceful way. Both of the leaders must think clearly and consider carefully. Iraq must stop its weapon development and the US must stop its efforts to dominate another country with their capitalism. People’s welfare and world’s peace are the main priorities. So let us pray for peace so someday Saddam Hussein and George W. Bush will shake hands with each other for the peace of the world.

We think that the plan of America to have war with Iraq is very terrible. For us, we think that every country in the world always imagines to live in a peaceful life and tries to realize it with full fight and struggle. So, in that condition we have some war. The main problems we’ll raise are: many people will be killed and will be starved, and their country will be poor. One of the big properties of Iraq is oil. We think America will win the war; they will take over the power to rule the distribution of oil in the world; and America will be richer. America doesn’t think about the people and all the other things in Iraq, they just think of oil. The other effects are that Iraq will be colonized by America and the people will not be free any more. As we remember our country when we had been colonized by the Dutch and Japan, we feel so suffer. The memory of that is painful. As Indonesian people, we think that war should not happen but if it happen, we must give our support to Iraq and try to make America conscious. As you know, we have just been terrorized by unknown terrorist. So, we think all we do is just pray. We don’t have to send our soldier or do demonstration in the street. You know all this time Indonesia has a bad image from other countries, if we involve in the problem it can make our image worse. It is not easy to have a good image again. This doesn’t mean that the problem isn’t that important, but we think we have so many work to do inside the country and we have to concentrate fully on it. War is not the best way to solve the problem, it just add to the problem and make it more complicated.

As in so many countries around the globe on Febraruy 15th several marches took place in different cities of Mexico. Here in Mexico City several of us participated. It is amazing how the same signs are seen everyplace, such as Not in our Name, No more blood for oil... It is quite clear that citizens are demonstrating that governments do not represent them, especially relevant now regarding the US and England. Quite touching to read and see how many people of all ages are out in the streets marching for peace.

Respondo a tu petición sobre cómo respiramos aquí en el tema No War. Voy a darte la visión de lo vivido durante este último es en Catalunya (6 millones de habitantes). De aquí puedo contarte un poco el proceso del desarrollo de la protesta contra la guerra y la postura cara la paz. El proceso seguido creo ha sido, ya, un camino depaz. Las manifestaciones finales en todo el país son signo del trabajo realizado en otras zonas. En 56 ciudades hubo manifestaciones. Paso acontarte el desarrollo de aquí: Hecho vivido Aznar apoya la intervención militar de USA en Irak Reacció que se produce Una movilización de las fuerzas vivas, desde distintos ámbitos, iniciando un silencioso trabajo de fondo a favor de No War en diversas líneas. pensamiento: Universidades e intelectuales (conferencias, artículos.....) solidaridad: múltiples movimientos en defensa de los afectados concienciación: profesionales de la educación, padres, libertad, actores y artistas con expresividades múltiples creencias: encuentros y oraciones interreligiosas *ciudadanía: diversas preparaciones de las personas A la vez la Plataforma contra la guerra consigue hacer confluir todo ese esfuerzo, de semanas, en una movilización en: -- la defensa de la paz como un bien para toda la humanidad -- el rechazo de la guerra como un medio no adecuado para la paz -- la reivindicación de la libertad para expresar el desacuerdo con los gobiernos que desconocen el sentir de la población -- la denuncia del dominio de los poderosos y de intereses económicos partidistas cuyos costos serán vidas humanas Resultado Una manifestación unitaria que acoge 1.300.000 personas en Barcelona (según la policía de la ciudad, mientras la delegación del gobierno decía 350.000), con un fuerte manifiesto de rechazo a la guerra y a ciertas posturas de los gobiernos, y a favor de la paz. Asistieron personas de todas las edades: niños, jóvenes, ancianos... También asistieron personas de otros lugares: latinoamericanos, magrebíes, pakistaníes, comunidad indios Sijj. Todo trancurrió pacíficamente. Una imagen: En cartón rodó un tanque con un ramo de flores en la boca del cañón. Qué bien pueda esto ser realidad. Esperamos que los acontecimientos puedan mover las posturas de algunos gobernantes y empezar una andadura distinta en nuestro mundo para que seamos más solidarios todos. Te mandaré un artículo que sale en un diario de hoy que se titula "También Estados Unidos necesita una Perestroika" Lo firma Mikael Gorvachof Un fuerte abrazo. Es mi visión que deberías contrastar con otras.

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and encounters with peace. We were proud to be a part of the 200,000 marchers in San Francisco this past weekend, and felt strongly that we couldn't let this war go on without raising our voices. Thanks to the RSCJ for your powerful effort in the name of Christ.

Peace.

Estamos contentas de saber que todas luchamos por la paz en cualquier parte del mundo. Ayer hubo manifestaciones en toda España y nosotra nos sumamos. La gente respondió muy bien y quiere la paz. También sabemos que el pueblo norteamericano desea la paz. Desde aquí rezamos e intentamos sumarnos a todas las iniciativas que están a nuestro alcance. Un abrazo, noviciado de España.

"I was one of many RSCJ took part in the march against the War held in London on Sat. 15th. Feb. It is estimated that over a million people walked the 3.5 miles through Central London to Hyde Park to listen to speaker after speaker begging Blair and Bush not to go to war. It was a fantastic experience to be in solidarity with so many ordinary people who have never done anything like this before but feel strongly enough to be counted. All very good humoured and peaceful despite a heavy police presence, but the police had little to do except stand and get cold. It was very cold!!

We hope and pray that our leaders will take note of what so many people all around the world are saying."

Saturday 15th. February many RSCJ were in Hyde Park London under a steely grey sky. They say there were a million there. A sea of banners represented Socialists, Communists, Christians, Muslims, Trade Unionists, Pax Christi, Palestinian movements and ordinary people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. It was inspiring to be there in solidarity with so many others here and around the world. We were United with one message "Dont attack Iraq". During these months I have felt that representative democracy is not working here. This gave me hope in participative democracy - in Civil Society moving in unison,crying out the pain. At one point I almost slipped in the mud as I tried to avoid a small child whose head barely reached my knees, her home made banner bore pictures of planes and bombs and the words "Love not bombs" in childish hand.

Message to RSCJ around the globe.

I believe that those of us here in the US are amazed and touched by all the public witness for peace that is happening all over the world. I want to thank all the people who have added messages to Beyond Borders on the www.rscj.org website. We invite you and ecnourage you and your Province to read the many reflections of our friends throughout the world and to share your reflections on this ongoing quest for peace. Please encourage people to share their reflections in their own language.

Most of all, let us continue to express our COR UNUM in our prayer and actions for peace.

Our gathering in St. Louis overflowed into the street from a large UCC Church and afterwards a group spontaneously marched to a shopping district (I counted eight police cars needed to accompany them!) I was encouraged by the number of young people who joined many who are "veterans" of justice struggles and by the presence of the provincial team. There is a power stronger than death and destruction, lies and deception!!

February 15th I have just come home from the biggest march and rally that there has ever been in the UK where everyone had one message - NO TO WAR -. I have been on such marches before but I have never seen so many people, such a cross section of our population, sure of one thing that war will not solve anything. The news this evening tells us that all over the world these peace marches have taken place. I felt a great unity today as I marched.
Today in our diocese of Brentwood the churches are open all day for people to pray for peace. Please God our leaders are listening.

Socorro Martinez attend to World Social Forum in Brazil and told me about the following web site. What follows is web sites from different countries that tell about activities around peace in different countries. While I cannot speak for the credibility of the different groups throughout the world, it may be interesting to read what is happening in various parts of the world and also to join in these activities when and if you choose.

http://www.forumsocialmundial.org.br/
AGENDA OF CALLS TO ACTION

International call to action against the war in Iraq
From February 14 onwards – and particulary on February 15 – social movements and organizations all over the world are planning activities and marches against the war in Iraq. In Brazil, all the State Committees against the FTAA (see contact details on the web site www.jubileubrasil.org.br) will be holding local activities on February 15. São Paulo is organizing a big march to leave from the MASP at 4 p.m. heading towards Ibirapuera Park.

See the list of contact details for organizers of calls to action around the:

Australia: http://www.vicpeace.org/; http://www.greenleft.org.au/
Austria: http://www.socialforum.at/
Belgium http://www.geenoorlog.be/
Canada: http://www.tcaswi.org/index.htm
Chile: www.attac.cl
Czech Republic: http://www.mujweb.cz/www/irak/
Denmark: http://www.nejtilkrig.dk/
Finland: http://members.surfeu.fi/ewk/eiiskuairakiin/
France: http://france.attac.org
Iraq http://www.unponteper.it
Ireland: http://irishantiwar.org/
Italy: http://www.fermiamolaguerra.it
Germany: http://www.15februar.de/
Greece: http://users.otenet.gr/~ergatiki/main.htm
Norway: http://ingenkrig.no/
Holland: http://www.wereldcrisis.nl
Polond: http://www.republika.pl/stopwojnie/
Portugal: http://olifante.netropolis.pt/
Spain: http://www.noalaguerra.org/
Sweden: http://www.stoppakriget.tk/
Switzerland: http://www.gssa.ch/antiguerre/
Turkey: http://www.iraktasavasahayir.org/
England: http://www.stopwar.org.uk
USA: http://www.internationalanswer.org; New York: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/
Stop the War Coalition - www.stopwar.org.uk

I thought you might be interested in seeing this message that I received today from Brazil...

MAKE PEACE OVERCOME THE WAR

We, that represent the civil society of the state of Rio de Janeiro, adhere to the ample movement which is expanding worldwide to stop the war and make the triumph of peace in the world.
The United States imperialism, under George Bush´s command, with the support of the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, intends to unleash the war against Iraq. The reason is the ambition of taking possession of the Iraq oil reserves, even if this initiave will take thousands of lives, besides the intention of heating the economy as a consequence of the impulse of the war industry.
To reach their purpose, they disregard the law by promoting the war in absence of UNO approval and the international right. They try to conquer the public opinion by alleging humanist reasons to combat terrorism.
However, there is an increasing rejection to Bush´s mean strategy. The pacifist movement is growing significantly. The manifestations are diversifying and the adhesion of other countries to stop the war is increasing. France and German are against the war and defend the solution of the crisis by a diplomatic way, as well as China and Brazil. Now, Russia and Belgium adopted the same line. The movement against war increased when Iraq surrended, on February 9th, to the UNO inspectors a report with information about the program of chemical and nuclear weapons.
Our responsibility increases in order to stimulate an ample and strong movement toward peace and against the imperialist war.
To make peace overcome the war means to save thousands of lives and defeat Bush´s policy and his broad move aiming at to explore and oppress other nations.
LET´S URGE THE PEACE WAVE AND SAVE THE HUMANITY FROM THE HORROR OF AN UNFAIR WAR WHICH WILL ONLY BENEFIT THE UNITED STATES IMPERIALISM.

ALL OF US TO THE GREAT MARCH FOR PEACE.

February 15th, 3:00PM in front of Meridien Hotel.

RIO COMMITTEE FOR PEACE AND AGAINST THE WAR
Rio de Janeiro, February 10th 2003

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!

En comunidad hemos tenido una reunión especial para tratar el tema. Hemos hecho entre todas nuestra relectura de la situación, compartiendo nuestros sentimientos.
Nos estamos uniendo a distintas iniciativas por la paz, que se proponen desde plataformas diferentes.
Vemos que cada día hay más gente que se moviliza, se une, se manifiesta, reza...para que la paz sea posible. Por eso tenemos esperanza. Comunidad de Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid)

I will simply add my little word to those already given. I am so grateful to have this global medium through which to share hope - for that is what the posted messages bring me. We may not have loud voices, but, together, we may be heard. I am convinced of the power of prayer to bring about change and know that around the world "minds and hearts are lifted up to God." Thank you.

In the time since I first responded there has been a growing swell of sound from the plain people of Ireland. A 'peaceful' demonstration group in Shannon did some damage to US planes which were there for refuelling en route to their destination, attack on Iraq.
The government here is cautious about saying too much, given their relative servitude to the goodwill of USA.
However, there have been joint statements by religious bodies, including Muslim representatives, speaking out against war as the way to deal with Saddam Hussein.
A popular belief is that it is simply the question of control of oil.
Last night at the Gospel Choir mass held in the Jesuit church each Sunday, there was a special contribution from Luka Bloom, a well-known singer, "Im not at war with anyone". The congregation was invited to attend a pre- demonstration prayer vigil next Saturday. The demonstration will be in the city centre on Saturday 15th at 2pm GMT.
Last night I caught a brief moment in an interview with Mo Mowlam, UK politician who held an important post in Northern Ireland a few years ago. She is clearly against Blair's stance, as are many in UK.
So, in brief, there are many who wish to support a NO TO WAR position, and we can just pray and hope that this opinion will reach the heart of George W. Bush and those who are behiind him.

Dear Barb, thanks for this opportunity. I think WAR can steal us our humanity. In this moment it's not true we are human beings, WE HAVE TO BECOME HUMANS TO OURSELVES, WE HAVE TO MAKE A HUMAN WORLD where the money, the economy can't be god, can't be the most important thing which makes the world moves. This is an economic war and in this web page we are screaming our rights: we want to be human persons, we don't want to kill our brothers and sisters.
Now, in Venezuela, we are living an economic fight too because someone don't want poor to be persons with their own word, their own thoughts and feelings, their own way to be and to grow. (Fernanda Vacas, jp, Venezuela, 9 de febrero del 2003)

Our community participated in the first “rainbow coalition” protesting the war. Previous protests were mainly from the radical left usually in front of the American Embassy. There was a motley crowd—radical Marxists, students from elite schools, urban poor squatters, religious women, organized Muslims, Christian denomination members, etc.--gathered at historic Plaza Miranda listening to speeches, joining in prayer and singing, and hoisting their colorful banners.

This rally was initiated by the Vice President of the country whose stand is opposed to that of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who fully supports George W. Bush. The most impressive speeches were those of the Iraqi Archbishop of the city that used to be called Nineveh and of an American Mennonite pastor in the Philippines.

Days before, while I listened to Bush’ speech before Congress I heard reverberate in my ears previous exhortations to earlier crusades, that of the middle ages by the Pope, and nearer home, President McKinley’s decision to “benevolently assimilate” the Philippines in 1899. We all know the senseless massacres of hundreds of thousands of people (not counting the larger social costs) that ensued.

Below is an excerpt from the Proclamation of Benevolent Assimilation of McKinley:

In performing this duty the military commander of the United States is enjoined to make known to the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands that in succeeding to the sovereignity of Spain, in severing the former political relations, and in establishing a new political power, the authority of the United States is to be exerted for the securing of the persons and property of the people of the islands and for the confirmation of all their private rights and relations. It will be the duty of the commander of the forces of occupation to announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come, not as invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious rights. (Italics similar to Bush' rhetoric)

Anne-Marie Conn just sent this out. It might be something that we can all do together.

This came from the Adrian Dominican Sisters and I thought that the whole Province might be interested in trying to join the people around the world in this effort. I therefore forward it to you and hope that you will participate and pass it on. Love Anne-Marie

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On SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH at noon New York time (9 AM Pacific, 5 PM London), millions of people around the world will focus their prayers of peace,
sending a wave of healing energy to the governments of both the US and Iraq.
Join this experiment in manifesting a peaceful conclusion to this standoff in
the Middle East. The vigil will be called the Great Experiment. Pass the
word to everyone you know and, most of all, participate by adding your
prayers.

A large group will be gathering in Jerusalem, instead of Iraq, as the cradle
of the three major mono-theistic religions. Millions around the world will
be seeking, at the same hour, the experience of oneness, for only then can
the Peace of God flow into our lives. Along with prayer at the designated
hour, you are also being asked to join the millions of people who will spend
the entire day, February 9th, giving peace and compassion to everyone they
meet.

Let it be an active prayer you live all day on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, enjoying
your peaceful and compassionate actions and interactions with others. Go out
of your way to bring smiles to others. It's that simple. Then at the
correct time for your area (noon New York time; 9 AM Pacific, 5 PM London)
join millions as we focus our prayers of peace, sending healing to dissolve
the hatred and suspicion that could lead to war. Some will think it naive
and simplistic, but we believe that our loving actions are what will heal the
world, and that our prayers of peace are the most powerful force in the
Universe. This is the spiritual Art of Peacemaking.

We believe that we have the power to create a world of peace rather than
violence, but we need your help to make this real. PLEASE PASS THIS EMAIL TO
EVERYONE YOU KNOW. Together we can heal the planet and make the dream of peace a reality.

If you care to use it, here is a suggested prayer:

"I CLAIM IN THE NAME OF GOD, PEACE FOR ALL PEOPLE ON EARTH BECAUSE IT IS GOD'S WILL FOR US NOW ! PEACE PREVAILS IN THE MIDDLE EAST BECAUSE WE HAVE AUTHORITY FROM GOD TO BE CHANNELS OF PEACE AND LOVE. I CLAIM THIS AUTHORITY. PEACE PREVAILS IN MY HEART, AND ALL THROUGH THE WORLD."

At present I am on sabbatical, living in a mobile home in Donegal - north west Ireland. It is probably the most peaceful place I have ever lived and each day I listen to more and more talk of war. I appreciate Barb's initiative in creating this Forum to talk to each other and thank her for it. I miss not being able to march in the peace rally in London on February 15th but I will be present in spirit. I will be with all my sisters in spirit at this time - a time when a war doesn't need to happen. Keep up the protesting in whatever way possible.

The Duchesne House Community -EWProvince - want to show solidarity with all
rscj by offering their prayers and union for all that is being accomplished
in the furtherance of peace. We cannot, alas, March but we send our prayers,
and maybe the frustrations of our average age of 87 to help you on your many
ways.

Imagine my surprise when I saw a group of RSCJ marching in the San Francisco. I felt so proud! We need to bring more people together to voice our opposition to a war that President Bush wants to save his Daddy's name.Thank you all for being good role model for the rest of the country.
Kathy King
Broadway 66
Lone Mt. 71

I have just returned from Brazil from the World Social Forum where social movements from around the globe meet every year at the same time the Davos meeting takes place in Switzerland. This is the third year.
Certainly the theme of peace was this year a central issue. I found the Forum extremely exciting, moving and very hopeful even though the situation of the world is very complex and the rumbles of war get louder every day. Nevertheless it was a real treat to be among so many people from the world who believe and struggle with the dream that "another world is possible".
I heard so many stories of how people are trying to stop the war and build peace. I vividly recall the sister who talked about Irak from a humanitarian point of view and how during the past 12 years the embargo and sanctions imposed by the US have ruined the country. She gave statistics of the before and after. A young woman from the States informed about how difficult it is to raise awareness within the US but of the many initiatives that are taking place around the country. She certainly received a lot of support. We had a march for peace with over 100,000 people.
Noble prize winners, intellectuals, social movements from all over Latin America, and of special relevance right now Brazil.
I am aware of ther critical situation and the almost certainty of war but also of the many millions of peoples areound the globe that are doing everything possible to build another world with justice and peace.

In Canada, there were Peace Marches held in 37 centers across the country Jan. 18th, 2003. We participated in Halifax, Montreal and Ottawa. Many in Halifax are at Barat Residence and were unable to march. They held a Peace vigil for an hour in their chapel on that day, in solidarity with the marchers. There were large crowds in all of these cities and the general feeling in the country is that this war is unprovoked and unnecessary, that it has more to do with oil than anything else and that the present US government is doing everything that it can to provoke a war. Everyone believes that Sadaam himself is evil and that his people have suffered greatly because of his regime. The people of Iraq need no further suffering. This is being done under the guise of fighting terrorism. This is not a reason for war. Iraq does not have the power or weapons to be a threat to the world.

At the moment our government has maintained the stance that they want to see clear evidence of the Iraq's threat to the world and that they will wait for the vote in the UN Security Council. However, we do not hold a vote in the Security Council and in reality have very little influence. We sense the government is being pressured to support the USA government in their stance and to date have resisted. This in the end could have some serious consequences economically for us, as Canada is not popular with the Bush administration.

We as a Province have focused on praying for Peace. Much of the Province prayer at Veillee was for Peace and we have continued to do so. We have written letters to our Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister both individually and collectively. We will continue to join the voices raised in protest and we remain united with you as you work for Peace in your own country.

Anne-Marie Conn

Thank you for this initiative. Individually and in community and notably at Mass, we constantly pray for peace. Please add my name to whatever you produce.

With love and prayer Frances Makower rscJ

Las Religiosas del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de la Residencia de Sarriá, Barcelona (Spain), agradecen mucho tu invitación a consultar la página web de las RSCJ de USA en lo referente a la guerra de Irak. Estamos totalmente de acuerdo en rechazar esta guerra. Ojalá entre todos la pudiéramos impedir. THANKS por tu comunicación y las de las rscj de otros países, y quedamos unidas en este gran deseo de paz.

Lovingly.

RSCJ Residencia de Sarria - Barcelona

Querida Barb:
Gracias por invitarnos a unirnos al esfuerzo común contra la guerra de Irak y contra toda otra guerra. Toda la Provincia de Venezuela que sufre también en estos momentos la violencia de los intereses económicos neoliberales que están por detrás de estas agresiones violentas siente, sufre, lucha y se une a todo esfuerzo por la paz. Gracias.

Thanks for suggesting the opportunity to protest against the impending war against Iraq. With apologies to your country I am appalled at the determination of the government to unleash unthinkable horrors on the innocent people of Iraq, on what seems to be very slender evidence regarding Sadam Hussein's intentions, and with little patience and respect for the diplomatic process. I am also sad that our own Prime Minister, while trying to prolong the diplomatic process, seems equally committed to military action.

I live in Oxford where the student body protests against the war. This week there is a public meeting against the war to which I shall go and there is a mass lobby of Parliament on Feb. 15th. In our own hostel here the issue is delicate at a grass-roots level because amongst the 27 residents we have a group of Muslims and a group of US citizens. One of the Muslims is Iraqui born but has not lived there for some time. Other Muslims are US citizens. This will create a difficult scenario should there be war. To recognize this and do something togthter to express our solidarity we have, since October, held a weekly Peace Vigil. Each Tuesday evening we meet in our Oratory in silence having removed all of the Christian symbols. Each person uses the time as they wish. The sense of solidarity in desiring peace, not war, is tangible. May our silence together help to build that peace that we all long for.

Marion Charleyrscj.

Having decided to send you a few words in response to your 'peace' initiative, passed on to us by Mary Hinde, we feel impelled first to express our sympathy and sorrow at the tragic loss of the 'seven'; our thoughts and prayer go out to all, especially the families, affected by this.
Now to respond to your questions: one of our community, Rachel, was able to take part in an interfaith service for peace held at St Martin in the Fields in Trafalgar Square and was involved on the very same day in the anti-war march through London. This was experienced as a very powerful sense of solidarity with the huge number of people all seeking 'peace' not 'war'. Although not 'able' to take part actively, I join Rachel in the stance which puts peace as a priority. Maureen our third community member is so aware in her ministry - deputy head in a Primary school - that dealing with the many problems of confrontation between parents and children, with the bereavements, the social ills are ways in which she can align herself to the peacemakers in our world.
Above all, we realise that our chief 'weapon' is prayer: that hearts may be touched and attitudes changed.
Love,
Maureen, Rachel and Mon.

Here in conservative San Diego, I was heartened to see onSaturday, January 18th, as part of the annual Martin Luther King parade, a three-four block long segment of the parade a peace March. A friend in Texas, retired from the US Air Force legal Department and against the war, just emailed me noting that one positive effect of the Columbia tradgedy is that is has knocked news of the war out of the news. I hope that, indeed, the tragedy will cause people to reflect on the tremendous value of every human life and to get our country's values back in order. I also hope that the the lack of focus on the possible war with Iraq will not give our government the opportunity to do bad things in secret. It is all quite a motivation to pray.

Thanks Barb for the invitation to say something about the inexorable ? movement towards war in Iraq. I am not surprised to see the strength of anger channeled into action in your country.
There are signs here of resistance although in general, the sense is that it is out of control, beyond the power of the individual to have any effect on the big players who are posturing about peace.
I must confess to a certain ignorance about how to make a difference in this issue. I think the only helpful thing I might say is that I am against a war, I am against the violence that has become so sinister everywhere. For many people, the reality is that it seems like there is no way to make a difference any more. The powerful players will go their own sweet way, uttering phrases that are so empty. Meantime, it is tragic to see the images of war in the making, with farewell scenes from ports and airfields...
I am sorry, I don't have anything dramatic to say, but would just like to join in offering support for action against war, and for peaceful means of dismantling the beast that has been growing since the first time one man determined to take what his brother had, for his own enjoyment.

My own action at the moment is very small, very practical. I am teaching English to immigrants, people displaced because there is neither peace nor prosperity for them in their own countries.
One 17 yearold from Sudan in a way stands for every person who has fled the hell that passes for life, to find that the embers are hot under foot here too, the pavements are not lined with gold or instant happiness (the poor soul thought he was being taken to the land of opportunity, USA, but discovered to his dismay that he is far from there...). I can't unmake the life experience that any of the asylum seekers have lived so far, all I can do is give them a hand to find their voice again, in a strange tongue
Can prayer also make a diference? If so, that is my most realistic contribution and I will be on the alert for specific actions here, to attend and register my opinion. Dairne Mc Henry joins me in responding to your appeal for an echo, a sign that there are people out there who don't support this way of sorting out what is essentially, as my 82 year old aunt says - an argument about oil...
I know it is not possible to say simply what it is about, but it is certainly not something that merits a response that will kill and maim and terrorise and dehumanise...

I am deeply touched by this calling to protest against war that you, rscj of the US, have started. My poor English does not allow me to write much more, but be sure I am with you in spirit and prayer. May be something could happen and this incredible war can be stoped. I see it as a useless holocaust of I can't imagine how many people everywhere. Thank you for what you are already doing.

I am responding to Barbara Dawson’s invitation to make our own comments on the war to Iraq on your web site. I am following her instructions and I am very happy to receive this invitation.

We join you and the people of United States and all the other countries of Europe who are opposing so strongly to stop this unnecessary war. I personally feel so powerless. With the community of Santa Magdalena Sofia in Bogotá, had a special hour of prayer yesterday for this particular and especial intention.

Perhaps we are not making any strong action against the war but we feel it should not happened. We are immerse in our own internal war also a consequence of the drugs perpetuated by other countries that consume the drugs. Nevertheless personally I feel a special experience when I see on the news papers or watch television and pictures, of people that have the courage like you, to march, to stand , to cry for peace. I wish those responsible for promoting the war could hear the millions of people crying for peace. This particular war won’t stop the violence, won’t protect the United States and others who are threatened by the “Muslim World”: we are only making it worse. This invitation to people like me in my small world, makes me to take action, helps me to feel I am responsible and that even my simple, comments, by expressing "I DO NOT WANT WAR, WE DO NOT WANT WAR”, is one way to be conscience of what is happening in the world, to be clear of my desire to protect our EARTH.

I am united in your efforts and I am proud of you. I pray we all continue in hope that we will be heard, that we can have peace.
Ana María Uribe rscj

While marching on the 18th, I was particularly struck by the diversity of those present, not only demographically, but also ideologically. Patriotic WWII vets, children, socialist activists, traditional Mennonites, soccer moms, politicians, and idealistic college students all lobbied for the cause. It seemed that some participated to express dissatisfaction with the current administration, some to challenge the justification of this (prospective) war, and some to challenge the justification of war in general. But the spirit that pervaded the event was one earnestly seeking justice and peace. For this, I am grateful for the prophetic role of groups like RSCJ. It is vitally important for us to be reminded of the Christian mandate to pursue peace.

I participated in the march in S.F. because I believe that, as people of faith, we are called to be voices for peace and life. It is our responsibility as citizens and disciples to speak out against policies that promote war, greed, consumerism and violence. Thank you for your witness.

One of the most moving experiences of my life was marching on the 18th of January. Upon reaching the Navy Yard and looking back at the "sea of humanity," as it was rightly called, behind me, I was genuinely touched to see so many people from various cities, backgrounds and ages gathered together for the common cause of stopping an unfounded war. Seeing the determination, the passion, and more importantly the pervading message of peace throughout the crowd, I was proud to be part of such an important and memorable and beautiful event.

It is wonderful and amazing to read about the experiences of so many at the myriad marches that have taken place in recent weeks. Last night, as we protested on Pennsylvania Avenue and then watched the State of the Union address, the contrast was unbelievably striking, and it reminded me once again that the anti-war effort is not only important, it is vital to the future of this nation and world. The speech Bush delivered was nothing but rhetoric, taking responsibilty for programs that he is making an effort to cut and war mongering. If we do not strive for a peaceful resolution to this crisis, and ultimately a peaceful settlement between the Israelis and Palestinians, it may be a very long time indeed before we see peace again. I am so proud to be in such great company with all of you and all the people around the world that are willing to say no to the aggressive power that the U.S. is attempting to wield, and I thank God for all of you who are participating in this call to peace.