The Struggle Against Violence in England and Iraq
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Christian Peacemaker Teams is a program of Brethren, Quaker and Mennonite Churches and other Christians that support nonviolence. CPT was formed in the U.S. in 1992 with the mission of "getting in the way" of violence in conflict areas. They currently have teams in Colombia, the West Bank, Iraq, Arizona (U.S.), and Ontario (Canada). CPT UK represents the efforts of CPT members and friends around the United Kingdom to support one another in peacemaking work and work towards an eventual CPT training in the UK.
Visit the Christian Peacemaker Teams UK site at
www.cptuk.org.uk
Aldermaston Big Blockade – Monday, October 27 2008
Help disrupt illegal work on WMD at Britain’s nuclear bomb factory
In 2006/7, Faslane 365 saw well over 1000 arrests during a year-long blockade of the Trident submarine base in Scotland . Last Easter, AWE Aldermaston saw its biggest demonstration in two decades as 5000 people surrounded the base to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Aldermaston march.
Trident Ploughshares now invite you to a major blockade of the Berkshire nuke factory, where billions of pounds are currently being spent developing new warhead facilities that will scupper nuclear disarmament for another 50 years. Help us uphold international law by blockading this factory of death in what promises to be a colourful celebration of life and people power. There is a role for everyone. This event is supported by CND.
For further details, see:
http://blockawe.blogspot.com
and
http://www.tridentploughshares.org
Trident Ploughshares is a campaign to disarm the UK Trident nuclear weapons system in a non-violent, open, peaceful and fully accountable manner.
"Non-violence is stronger than any weapon. If humanity does not end the atom bomb I do not think the human species can last." - Gandhi , speaking on the day of his assassination
ALSO
Christian Peacemaker Teams announces delegation to Iraq, 8-22 January 2009
The Kurds of northern Iraq faced discrimination, terror, and death under the regime of Saddam Hussein. As the security situation deteriorated in southern and central Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, thousands of displaced persons fled to the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG)-controlled area in the north. Recently, northern border villages have suffered military attacks by Turkey and Iran. CPT's January delegation will be based in the KRG city of Suleimaniya.
Delegates will meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations and human rights groups, displaced persons, government officials, and others. They will gain perspective on the challenges facing people in northern Iraq and the impact there of violence in other areas of Iraq and along the border. The delegation will participate in the work of CPT's longer-term project of building bridges and human rights reporting. CPT has had a presence in Iraq since October 2002, first in Baghdad and since November 2006 in the Kurdish north.
Fundraising expectation is £1,400, plus roundtrip airfare from a designated city. The cost covers round-trip airfare from Amman Jordan to Iraq; all on-ground travel, two to three meals a day, simple accommodations, and honorariums and other delegation fees. Contact the CPT office for more information.
CPT is a faith-based group that seeks participants who are interested in human rights work, committed to nonviolence and to undoing racism, and willing to participate in team worship and reflection. Delegates should have plans to share about the trip upon return to their home communities and congregations.
For more information or to apply, contact CPT, PO Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; phone 773-277-0253; fax 773-277-0291; e-mail delegations@cpt.org, or see CPT's website at: http://www.cpt.org. APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 10.