This Friday at 7 pm join other Portland-area Christians for a special "Witness for Peace Gathering" calling for an end to the war in Iraq. The service will take place at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1126 SW Park Avenue.
I'll be there with members from Parkrose Community United Church of Christ. There will be music, opportunities for reflection, and the lighting of candles. This promises to be a moving and spiritual evening. Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is a co-sponsor of the gathering.
Click here for more information.
Someone asked me recently why this wasn't an interfaith gathering. Interfaith events are important - critical, really, in our pluralistic society - and all of us involved with the gathering this Friday are committed to interfaith dialog and worship opportunities. But on this one occasion we felt it was important to demonstrate the Christian community's nearly unanimous opposition to the war in Iraq and to provide Christians with a chance to gather ecumenically with one another in a show of inter-denominational solidarity.
We welcome, however, those of other faiths who wish to attend to show their support for our efforts and we lift up in prayer those of all faiths who are working for peace across the globe.
Related Link: Statement On Iraq From The National Council Of Churches
