Light a Candle, End a War

Monday, March 14, 2005

Sojourners, an ecumenical organization of Christians committed to working for justice and peace, has issued an urgent call to honor the lives of those lost in the war in Iraq and renew the demand for peace this Saturday, March 19, 2005. Since March 19, 2003, more than 1,400 U.S. soldiers--and tens of thousands of Iraqi soldiers and civilians--have died. Resources that could be put to use caring for people have been tied up waging war. Sojourners calls on Christians around the country to gather for prayer and candle-lighting.

Churches in the Chicago area hosting vigils for peace include:

Congregational United Church of Christ
1005 Kirchoff Rd
Arlington Heights
Sunday, March 20 at 3:00 PM

Reba Place Church
620 Madison
Evanston
Saturday, March 19 at 8:00 PM

Church of the Holy Spirit (Roman Catholic)
1451 Bode Rd
Schaumburg
Call for details: (847) 882-7580

St. Mary Episcopal Church
308 S Prospect
Park Ridge
Saturday, March 19 at 5:00 PM

Chicago United Methodist Temple
77 W Washington
Chicago, going to Daley Plaza
Sunday, March 20 at 3:00 PM

Community Interfaith Peace Vigil
North Central College
30 N Brainard St
Naperville
Friday, March 18 at 7:00 PM

Morgan Park United Methodist
11030 S Longwood
Chicago
Friday, March 18 at 7:00 PM

Sojouners also has an online tool kit to help you organize and hold your own vigil for peace.

Catholic Connections

"Peacemaking is not an optional commitment. It is a requirement of our faith. We are called to be peacemakers, not by some movement of the moment, but by our Lord Jesus. The content and context of our peacemaking is set, not by some political agenda or ideological program, but by the teaching of his Church."
-- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, The Challenge of Peace , #333

Reflection Questions

What one issue is important enough to you that you would spend your life working for it, without fear?

Join us in to discuss these questions!