Visions of Peace: Building Bridges of Faith to a World Without War

Most members of the different faith traditions in the Portland area believe the war in Iraq violates the values of compassion and peace on which their traditions are based. Most also reject the dominant role that militarism plays in United States foreign policy. But their voices as peacemakers are not really heard.

One of the theme "tents" on March 15 will be directed at members of the faith community. The theme is "Visions of Peace: Bridges of faith to a world without war". This faith "tent" will be in the Parish Hall of the First Congregational Church adjacent to the rally site and will be open from 10 to 6.

11:30AM - Presentation: “Recent Christian Witness for Peace in Iraq actions in Washington DC and plans for escalating actions against the war in Oregon” – Dr. Courtney Dillard, Assistant Professor of Media at Willamette University and member of Oregon Center for Christian Values.

12:00PM – Discussion: “Bridges of Faith to a World Without War” – Portland Faith leaders speak about ways to strengthen the peacemaking voices of faith groups in the Portland area. Speakers include: Imam Shariah Ahmed, Bilal Mosque Beaverton; Dr. Courtney Dillard, Assistant Professor Willamette University; Jan Elfers, Peace Program Director for Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon;Rev. Mark Knutson, Senior Minister Augustana Lutheran Church; Rev. Patricia Ross, Senior Minister First Congregational Church; Rev. Lynn Smouse-Lopez, Senior Minister Ainsworth United Church of Christ; Rev. David Wheeler, Senior Minister First Baptist Church (moderator).

4:00PM – Music: “Songs of Peace” – Mo Mack and the Peace Makers.

4:30PM – Presentation: “People to People Peace Making between Palestinians and Israelis” – By Rabbi Aryeh Hirschfield, Congregation Pnai Or

ALL DAY: Inspirational displays on peace and the costs of the war: “The Human Faces of War” shows artists’ portraits of American soldiers, most of whom have been killed in Iraq together with reflections from family members about their lives.

ALL DAY: “Ritual of Remembrance:” a small, self-paced ritual for those who wish to reflect on the human costs of war.

ALL DAY: Representatives of faith groups in the Portland area who are working for peace will be present with information about their programs. Information on peace actions by national faith groups will also be available.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“An act of love, a voluntary taking on oneself of some of the pain of the world, increases the courage and love and hope of all.”

Dorothy Day, Catholic Worker

The organization involved in planning this tent is People of Faith For Peace