- UMC Bishops Pass Resolution on Iraq War

Passed on from Kim Montenegro

Dear Bishop Shamana, District Superintendents, Administrative Assistants, & Conference Communications,

On November 9, 2007 The United Methodist Council of Bishops passed a Resolution on the Iraq War. Click here for a link to the General Board of Church & Society’s website where you can sign to support the Council of Bishops Resolution. I hope that you will consider signing this “online”. Please pass this info on to your constituents.

Thank you for your consideration, and all that you do.

- Free Burma – Learn More – Get Active

Burma’s Struggle for Democracy:

The Saffron Revolution 

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007

7:00 pm

Pacific School of Religion

Mudd 100

1798 Scenic Avenue

Berkeley CA 94709

Join us for an evening with Nyunt Than, President and Co-Founder of the Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA) as he shares with us a short documentary film “Prayer of Peace: Relief & Resistance in Burma’s War Zones” (2007). 

Mr. Than was born and educated in Burma.  He left the country after the 1988 pro-democracy uprising and since 2001 has been advocating for democracy and freedom for Burma. 

The documentary follows ethnic front-line relief workers as they aid internally displaced people suffering under the Burma Army.  Focusing on a female medic and a pastor/human rights cameraman, the film reveals a people that have maintained their dignity and hope for peace despite the odds.  Filmed on relief missions with the Free Burma Rangers. 

Event sponsored by PANA and Seminarians to End War.

For more information on the event:

Rev. Deborah Lee,  dlee <at> psr.edu.

- An Instinct to Swarm

Emily recommends this article from the New York Times:

From Ants to People, an Instinct to Swarm
By CARL ZIMMER
Researchers are discovering simple rules that allow thousands of animals to form a collective brain able to make decisions and move like a single organism. 

- Pictures from Peace Week 2007!

Check out our page of pictures and reflections from PSR’s Peace Week 2007 by clicking here.

- New Film Resource About Soldiers Who ‘Disobey’…

… or obey a higher calling, that is.

Ian Slattery, the Associate Producer of this film, got in touch with us about how to connect his film and our peace week. It sounds like some interesting stuff:

“Hi SEW folks!

I’m contacting you about our documentary film, SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE, and your Peace Week. Here’s a link to our 2-minute trailer: http://www.socfilm.com

We’re local – based in North Berkeley – and would love to share some info about our film with folks gathered at your events. For instance, we have two upcoming screenings of the film at the Mill Valley Film Festival. In addition, we’re always seeking to build relationships with faith leaders of all denominations in order to make the film available as a useful resource for religious communities across the country.

Many thanks for the work you are doing – and for considering this request!”

- Urban Peace with Tai!

- In My Craw

Does our president bug you, too? Here’s our friend Ryan’s musical tribute to his rage.

Now, isn’t that great?

- NCC Resources for the Day of Prayer for Peace

To download the National Council of Churches’ four-page poster for the 2007 International Day of Prayer for Peace, which include prayers, history, and action suggestions, click here.

- A Little of Our History

Check out Kim’s new report on the founding of our SEW Peace Particular Group, at the top of the “Join Us” page. And while you’re at it, check out some updates on the “Events” page, the “Resources” page, the “Multitude” page… okay, maybe just everything! I’ve been busy here!  (Peace from Audrey)

- Beinart on the Netroots-style left

Mr. Beinart is a clever guy. This article of his, in the New Republic magazine, provokes some interesting discussions about the tactics and tendencies of the Netroots, the current incarnation of the left in the form of online political communities like Daily Kos (established by Markos Moulitsas and others). Is this modern left more concerned with electoral power and change than the cultural change activists of decades past? How does radical witness aid pragmatic activism working ‘within the system?’ What’s a lefty to make of the Democratic Party primary this season? What about that Mike Gravel character? Can the left use the right’s tactics and still achieve its goals – and if it can’t, can it win? How should we speak publicly about what we believe – and when? How does anti-war activism intersect with electoral politics?