Category - Peace

Writing peace out of the script

Simon Barrow — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:31:01 +0100

What are the opportunities and constraints involved in highlighting non-violent interventions in situations of conflict for the general media? Civil society organizations, academic institutions, faith groups and peace workers are regularly involved in conflict transformation work, and in direct interventions to challenge violence and injustice. While the role of the military is regularly profiled and even celebrated, the contribution of those who act without weapons or contracts is usually overlooked. In part, this is because the nature of peace work is often sensitive and requires a degree of ‘under the radar’ operation. But it also happens because of lack of wider understanding and knowledge of non-violent interventions, and because such interventions do not fit the dominant ‘news narrative’ around conflict. This becomes particularly evident in times of crisis. Here we present a short case study of working with the wider media response to the 2005-6 ‘Iraq hostage crisis’ (as it became known), involving four members of a short-term Christian Peacemaker Teams delegation in Baghdad.

Simon Barrow

Death toll in Afghanistan fuels British opposition to war

staff writers — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:51:55 +0100

The death of 15 British soldiers in just over a week has sparked calls for an end to the UK's involvement in the war in Afghanistan. A poll shows that the majority of the British public want troops withdrawn by the end of the year.

Younger Christians gather to learn tools of nonviolence

staff writers — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:34:09 +0100

Christians aged roughly 18-30 will assemble in London this evening for a weekend of training in nonviolence. The event is organised by the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR) as part of a project to develop practical peacemaking skills.

Campaigners highlight 'public revulsion' against arms industry

staff writers — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:52:21 +0100

The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has pointed to nationwide protests against the arms industry as evidence of “public revulsion". Such feelings are expected to increase ahead of the London arms fair in September.

Armed Forces Day adds insult to injury

Symon Hill — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:05:39 +0100

Today is the UK's first Armed Forces Day. It is a thinly veiled attempt to deflect scrutiny of politicians who have made disastrous decisions about war, says Symon Hill. But sentiment is no substitute for accountability.

Building unity through peace is key task, says Reformed leader

agency reporter — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:25:49 +0100

The lessons of a 16th century theologian born in France speak directly to a post-modern world hungry for peaceful and united communities according to the president of a global network of Protestant churches.

Mass protests for 60th anniversary of NATO in Strasbourg

staff writers — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:02:35 +0100

Tens of thousands of protestors congregated in two towns in southeastern Germany and in Strasbourg, eastern France, yesterday to protest against the NATO summit on the 60th anniversary of the alliance.

Churches tell NATO of the need for a nuclear weapons-free world

agency reporter — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:00:23 +0100

A world without nuclear weapons is not only possible but more secure, leaders of NATO have been told by a broad coalition of national, regional and global councils of churches.

Peace rallies sweep Northern Ireland in wake of killings

staff writers — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:43:19 +0000

Over ten thousand people, including faith leaders, trade unionists and community groups, have attended a series of rallies across Northern Ireland to express opposition to the return of violence to the province.

Faiths back non-violent action against gun violence in US

agency reporter — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:10:27 +0000

A religious peace gathering in Philadelphia, USA, featured daily acts of opposition to gun violence held at a gun store in the city. The actions included non-violent protest, prayer, and civil disobedience.