Just Peace, Just War, Just Catholic: Where are we Going?

Just Peace, Just War, Just Catholic: Where are we Going?

Speakers: Rose Marie Berger and Judy Coode 

Date: Friday, October 7, 2016 @ 7:30 p.m.

Place: Dorothy Day  Catholic Worker: 503 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW,

Washington, DC, 20010.

In April an unprecedented conference took place in Rome on re-centering the Roman Catholic Church on active gospel nonviolence. Hear about the gathering from those who were there. More than 80 Catholics from around the world gathered with the Vatican to discuss how to renew active gospel nonviolence as a “instrument for peace,” to paraphrase Pope Francis. Join the global conversation on moving from a war church to a peace church. Sign the appeal asking Pope Francis for an encyclical on nonviolence. Be part of Francis’ 3-legged legacy: A church of the poor, defense of creation, and radical Christian nonviolence.

Rose Marie Berger is a Roman Catholic peace activist and senior associate editor at Sojourners magazine. She contributed a framing paper on Just Peace to the April conference in Rome. (Read No Longer Legitimating War: Christians and Just Peace.)

Judy Coode was lead organizer for the conference and is program coordinator for the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative (www.nonviolencejustpeace.net).

Please join us!

For more info contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: artlaffin@hotmail.com —

(202-360-6416)

TWENTY-ONE ACTIVISTS ARRESTED AT THE PENTAGON DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR WAR CRIMES AND AN END TO ONGOING US WARS

Dear Friends,

Following the conclusion of the World Without War Conference that was held this weekend at American University, 21 people were arrested yesterday at the Pentagon as part of a Campaign Nonviolence action that was organized by the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance. (See below the press release about this action). The arrests occurred as peacemakers attempted to redeliver a letter previously sent to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, as well as a petition to stop the use of killer drones, at the main Pentagon police checkpoint outside the Pentagon south metro station.  Simultaneously, some 50 other peacemakers who attended the World Without War Conference held a demonstration in the Pentagon police designated protest zone located near the police checkpoint.

It was an honor to be part of this action, yet another “experiment in truth” in nonviolent resistance to a warmaking empire. During this witness, I carried in my heart and prayer those in whose name I was acting: all the victims of violence, racism, torture, war and poverty, as well as the holy cloud of witnesses–past and present. I also prayed for our sacred earth and climate which is under daily assault and “groaning in travail.”  In this time of perpetual war, unrelenting racial violence, mass incarceration and pervasive poverty, I was also very mindful of the compelling words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who declared: “Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go out into a sometime hostile world declaring eternal hostility to racism, poverty and militarism.” 

God calls us to love and not to kill, to practice mercy, to love our enemies, to establish justice for the oppressed, to beat all the swords of our time into plowshares and to abolish war. During this election season and beyond, let us continue to do all we can to enflesh these biblical mandates as we seek to create the Beloved Community and a nonviolent world. 

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WHO:  On September 26, 2016, after years of unsuccessfully seeking meetings with elected and appointed government officials over the ongoing US wars, proxy wars and military occupations, armed drones, US war crimes, and the increasing Pentagon budget activists associated with the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance (NCNR) went to the Pentagon today once again seeking a meeting with decision-makers in the Pentagon chain of command including Secretary Ashton Carter. They told Pentagon police they wouldn’t leave until they spoke to an official in a position of authority about war crimes committed by the US and that they were following their obligations under Nuremberg to draw attention to these crimes of US government elected and appointed officials. Although the activists were nonviolent the Pentagon police placed 21 activists under arrest and charged them with “Violation of a Lawful Order”.

 

WHAT: The presence of antiwar activists today at the Pentagon follows the International Day of Peace, the over 700 actions of nonviolence around the US and other countries organized by Campaign Nonviolence calling for an end to war, poverty, and for serious efforts to address the climate crisis and environmental degradation. In addition, many of the activists had attended the World Beyond War conference held in Washington, DC at American University over the weekend entitled “No War 2016: Real Security Without Terrorism”. The attempted meeting by activists was a continuation of the over 700 events organized by Campaign Nonviolence this month in addition to carrying the message of World Beyond War to the Department of Defense and Obama Administration. The activists tried to also deliver a petition signed by over 23000 people to President Obama, Secretary Carter, and German Chancellor Merkel calling for the closing of a drone relay station at US Air Force Base Ramstein in Germany which has been linked to the deaths of innocent civilians. Activists in Germany also attempted to deliver this petition to Merkel today. Australian activists acted in solidarity at the US military base in Pine Gap and another solidary action was held at West Point, NY by others concerned about the US drone program.

 

WHY:  Rev. Janice Sevre-Duszynska one of those arrested explained why she was at the Pentagon seeking a meeting today “The measure of a healthy society is how we treat the marginalized. How we can care for them in a just and humane manner when 56% of the federal budget goes to the Pentagon for its 800+ military bases and the killing? That fills the pockets of the weapons manufacturers!” The World Beyond War conference and Campaign Nonviolence say there is a link between poverty, war, and the environmental threat to the planet. They say that there needs to be a new way of running our planet and resolving international conflict through nonviolence. “The reason why I took action today is because I am moved by conscience by the words of the late peace activist Daniel Berrigan who said “Because we want the peace with half a heart and half a life and will, the war, of course, continues, because the waging of war, by its nature, is total – but the waging of peace, by our own cowardice, is partial.” We all need to get out of our comfort zone and away from what is convenient for us when it comes to taking action. We cannot continue on the path of more war while so many social problems exist in society. War is a threat to Mother Earth and all humanity. The way of war is not sustainable” Kilbride said.

 

Those arrested include Janice Sevre-Duszynska, Richard Ochs, Malachy Kilbride of Maryland, Alice Sutter, Felton Davis, and Chat Gunter of New York, Don Cunning and Manijeh Saba of New Jersey, Brian Terrell of Iowa, Phil Runkel of Wisconsin, Joan Stallard, Art Laffin and Eve Tetaz of Washington, DC, JoAnne Lingle of Indiana, Howard Mettee of Ohio, Phoebe Sorgen of California, Henry Lowendorf and James Pandaru of Connecticut, Beth Adams and Paki Wieland of Massachusetts, Nancy Gowen of Virginia.

 

A November 3, 2016 court date has been scheduled in the US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia. The activists said they are looking forward to their day in court.

Report of September 19, 2016 AFA “Arms Bazaar” Protest

Dear Friends,

 

Last night 9 peacemakers vigiled outside the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at the National Harbor, ten miles south of D.C.,  to decry the scandalous Air Force Association (AFA) annual “Air & Space Conference and Technology Expo,” what we call an “Arms Bazaar.” Some 150 arms contractors are taking part in this year’s Arms Bazaar. Our vigil coincided with a $300+ per plate banquet honoring outstanding airmen. Members of Pax Christi, two Carmelite sisters and friends from several other peace groups attended the vigil which was organized by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. The action was held in solidarity with Campaign Nonviolence (CN), a long-term movement to build a culture of peace and nonviolence free from war, poverty, racism, the climate crisis, and the epidemic of violence and injustice. This week CN is sponsoring some 700 actions in the U.S. and worldwide.

 

As we arrived at the Gaylord,  a contingent of Gaylord security and Prince George Police were on hand to greet us. Max Obuszewski and Janice Sevre-Duszynska were the first to arrive and had an animated exchange with the head of security. Shortly afterwards,  I was able to give security and police our leaflet (see below) and invited them to join with us. Several police vehicles stationed at the Gaylord main entrance remained at the site for the duration of our vigil.

 

Our witness began with singing “Down By the Riverside” and the reading of our leaflet. Bob More then read the Gospel account of the Beatitudes (Lk. 6:2-28). This was followed by Janice, Max and Sr. Carmen Soto reading a selection of Dr. King’s Riverside Church April 4, 1967 speech about why he opposed the Vietnam War. Bob Cooke then offered a prayer to exorcise the evil of militarism and convert our lives to God’s command to love.  We then sang “Do Not Be Overcome by Evil.” This was followed by Janice, Max, Bob Cooke, Steve Bush and I sharing reflections about the human cost of warmaking, the plight of refugees, the courageous witness of whistle-blower and truth teller, Edward Snowden, the urgent need to cancel weapons systems like the $400 billion F-35 Joint-Strike fighter program, killer-drones and all nuclear weapons, and the moral imperative of exposing and resisting the addiction to militarism.  A Litany of Repentance and Hope was then offered by Brian Barrett and Sr. Carmen. We then lit candles and sang “This Little Light of Mine,” as we remembered all victims of violence and war, the holy cloud of witnesses past and present, imprisoned truth-tellers, resisters and whistle-blowers, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and all who are acting to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline, and all who are working today to bring about God’s reign of justice, love and peace. We concluded our witness by singing the Vine & Fig Tree and having a closing circle.

 

Let us redouble our efforts to do all we can to nonviolently resist the forces of violence, racism and death and witness to the God of Life and Love as we strive to create the Beloved Community.

With gratitude,

Art

Protest the Air Force Association “Arms Bazaar”

When: Monday, September 19, 2016, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 

 

What: A Nonviolent Vigil and Prayer Service for Peace during the AFA $300+ per plate banquet (please bring a candle) As we undertake this vigil, we do so in solidarity with Campaign Nonviolence, who will be sponsoring a week-long series of actions nationwide from September 18-25. See: http://www.paceebene.org/programs/campaign-nonviolence. 

Where: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745. 
We will meet for the vigil at the corner of Waterfront St. and St. George Blvd., directly across from the Gaylord National Resort (See Directions Below)

Sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker

For more info contact: Art Laffin – 202-360-6416, artlaffin@hotmail.com

 

                                                                                                                                 

“War should always scandalize the faithful…Think of the children starving in refugee camps, these are the fruits of war. And then think of the great dining rooms, of the parties held by those who control the arms industry, who produce weapons. Compare a sick, starving child in a refugee camp with the big parties, the good life led by the masters of the arms trade.”                                                                                                                                                                                      — Pope Francis, February 25, 2014 Mass at the Vatican’s Santa Marta Chapel                                                                                                                                                                                                        

“Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.” 

— Pope Francis, September 24, 2015 Speech to the U.S. Congress

 

Dear Friends,

 

From September 19-21, the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is once again playing host to the Air Force Association (AFA) “Air & Space Conference and Technology Expo,” what we call an “Arms Bazaar.” The AFA, according to its web site, is “the voice for aerospace power and the Air Force family.” This year’s Arms Bazaar will focus on: “Air, Space & Cyber Theme: Airmen, Industry, and Allies-A Global Security Team.” Some 150 arms contractors taking part in this years Arms Bazaar have played a prominent role in U.S. warmaking. These arms contractors, like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, are profiting from war and literally are making a killing! But that’s not all. The Pentagon and numerous arms dealers are committed to U.S. nuclear/military/cyber superiority and militarizing and controlling space.

 

As the world’s preeminent military superpower, the U.S. is the #1 arms dealer with $46.6 billion in foreign military sales for 2015. The U.S. supplies weapons to much of NATO and Middle Eastern allies like Turkey, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. U.S. arms sales in the Middle East are fueling widespread wars in the region, as the U.S. continues its quest to destroy ISIS. In concert with weapons contractors participating in the AFA Arms Bazaar, the U.S. is engaged in direct military intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, continues its military support for the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, threatens Russia over its involvement in the Ukraine, proceeds with its military “pivot” in the Asia-Pacific to threaten and contain China, and wages killer drone attacks in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and elsewhere.

 

Additionally, the U.S. continues its “Missile Defense” deployments encircling China and Russia, constituting a flagrant violation of its Anti-Ballistic missile treaty with Russia. Moreover, the U.S. plans to spend $1 trillion over the next thirty years to modernize its own nuclear arsenal, instead of pursuing a real path to disarmament. And the U.S. military, the world’s single biggest consumer of fossil fuels, is directly destabilizing the earth’s climate. The victims cry out for justice, and the earth, under daily assault, groans in travail!

 

During its three day Arms Bazaar, the AFA is sponsoring nearly 40 forums addressing how the U.S. can refine its warmaking apparatus and cyber capability so it can dominate earth and space. Tonight the AFA is holding a $300+ per plate banquet honoring outstanding airmen. On Wednesday night there will be a similar banquet. We decry the AFA Arms Bazaar for what it is: a scandalous affront to God, a theft from the poor, and a threat to people worldwide and all of creation!

 

Who will speak for the poor and the victims, as arms dealers reap huge profits from their lethal weapons and death technology? Who will protect our sacred earth and environment? We urgently need, more than ever, to nonviolently resist all war and violence–from Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Gaza, to Ferguson, NYC, Baltimore, Charleston, Orlando, D.C. and elsewhere. Together, let us continue to do all we can to establish the Beloved Community, end the climate crisis, eradicate poverty and create a world free of nuclear and conventional weapons, killer drones, war, racial hatred and oppression. In the name of God, who calls us to love and not to hate, demonize and kill, it’s time to end this Arms Bazaar!
Please join with members of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Pax Christi and other peacemakers as we seek to say YES to Life and a resounding NO to the merchants of death and war profiteers.

With gratitude,

Art Laffin

Theme for AFA “Arms Bazaar” (from AFA web site): Air, Space & Cyber Theme:  Airmen, Industry, and Allies – A Global Security Team

• Airpower success in the future will depend on close relationships between our Air Force, industry, and our international partners.
• We leverage our capabilities, through cooperation, to mitigate risk and respond to global crises as a global security team.
• As defense budgets shrink and threats increase, it is critical that industry and our international partners come together to provide the air, space, and cyber capabilities and effects essential to ensuring the freedom and security of our nation and its allies.

AFA Technology Exposition Agenda (From AFA web site-see: http://www.afa.org/airspacecyber/conference/agenda)

The Air Force Association’s Annual Air, Space & Cyber Conference and Technology Exposition is the premier event for defense focused aerospace industry professionals. This event brings you face to face with key decision makers from the United States, as well as international Air Forces, DoD, members of Congress, and industry leaders and innovators. Your attendance at AFA’s yearly Air, Space & Cyber Conference is the ideal opportunity to preview and discuss the latest developments in air-power, space and cyber capabilities vital to the Air Force Mission. The speaker line-up will include top leaders of the U.S. Air Force, including the Secretary of the Air Force – Deborah Lee James, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force – James A. Cody.

Directions and Public Transport Info to Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

Directions from Downtown D.C., Parking and Meeting Place
Take 395 South (off of New York Ave. or Constitution Ave. at 9th St. NW) Merge onto 295 South via exit on left (crossing into Maryland) – 7.4 miles. Take the exit toward National Harbor. Take ramp to National Harbor Blvd. Bear left on National Harbor Blvd. and go two blocks to St. George Blvd. Make a right on St. George Blvd. Go to one block before Waterfront St. and look for street meter parking. Also St. George Parking Garage is on right in case you can’t find street parking (just past the cross street called Mariner Passage). The garage is one block before Waterfront St., where the Gaylord National Resort is located. We will meet for the vigil at the corner of Waterfront St. and St. George Blvd. on the sidewalk in front of the Gaylord National Resort. If you are coming from Maryland or Virginia use Map Quest for the most precise route to the Gaylord.

Public Transportation
If you would like to use public transportation, take the Green Line to Branch Ave. Get off at Branch Ave. and take the NH1 National Harbor bus line. This bus takes you to the corner of St. George Blvd. and Waterfront St. across from the Gaylord National Resort. Call 202-637-7000 and select “ride guide” for best directions. Or go WMATA web site.