Action and Spirituality

News from the Network

Echoes of Graz

This autumn persons at a gathering in Northamptonshire joined in a direct action and vigil carried out by the Christian Section of the Campaign Against Arms Trade. The action took place during the annual general meeting of the General Electric Company (GEC) which had recently announced its intention to move more of its business into arms trading.

It can be an uncomfortable feeling when you realise that your faith is leading you to act in ways which bring you into confrontation with the powers that be. And for activists who openly challenge these powers and pay the penalty, it is often necessary to take time out to reflect on the spiritual force which compels them to do these things.

'Faith & Resistance' was a four-day gathering which brought together 18 people from both ends of this spectrum and across a wide age and faith range. Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR) England, Ploughshares Support Network and the Turning the Tide Programme of Quaker Peace & Service organised the gathering. The group met at FoR's new headquarters at the Eirene Centre in Northamptonshire. Some may remember that this old schoolhouse was used in the 1980s as a centre for resistance against the development of Molesworth as a base for nuclear cruise missiles.

The gathering was organised in response to a perceived need for greater exploration into the spiritual basis for the fast-growing direct action movement. Speakers dealt with the biblical basis for activism; the personal story of Chris Cole, a ploughshares activist who had been imprisoned for his actions; and power systems from a gender perspective. Other sessions included lifestyle obstacles to activism (such as family and mortgage), a strategic look at change, Bible study and spiritual disarmament.
News from the Network

Echoes of Graz

Among those attending the vigil and demonstration were members of the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship (APF). They note that "our presence here was important because GEC is a key player in the arms industry and the manufacture of Trident nuclear submarines. The company also exports arms to countries with poor human rights records. The Church Commissioners and the Central Board of Finance are major investors in the company, and APF, together with other Christian peace organisations, is campaigning for them to sell their holdings."
CHALLENGE, Sept/Oct 97

News from the Network

Echoes of Graz

During the gathering the whole group travelled to London to join in a vigil, religious service and action at the General Electric Company's annual general meeting. We had acquired shares and entered the meeting. Fortunately for us, the chairperson, Jim Prior, called many of us to ask questions. Thus the whole question of ethical and moral responsibility was placed centre-stage to such an extent that further questions were refused.

The board made it clear that they accept no such ethical and moral responsibility for their products and would very much wish to see the Government's recently announced foreign policy diluted or removed.

A key component of sustained activism is community, and this action brought the group close together. This was reinforced by a visit to the Little Gidding Christian community where we shared a worship session.

The 'Faith & Resistance' gathering was an experiment. But there was enough energy and enthusiasm to generate interest for a similar meeting next year.

Steve Whiting
Quaker News, Oct 97, N 25
News from the Network

Members of the Christian Section of the Campaign Against Arms Trade taking action at the GEC's annual general meeting. Photo from Quaker News, Oct 97
News from the Network

EMPC Annual Meeting in Brussels

Transitions

"Mediation ministries" was the focus of the European Mennonite Peace Committee (EMPC) meeting 7-9 November at the Brussels Mennonite Centre (CMB). Representatives from Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands were present.
A key topic was the urgency felt to respond to the increasing demand for education and assistance in processing conflicts. A specific Christian answer seems to be appropriate. Participants stated their conviction

that reconciliation belongs to the core of the Gospel and that a Christian spirituality adds a dimension of depth of vision and strength. "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers in the harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38).
The idea of setting up an international network of Christian mediators and mediation trainers was discussed. The conclusion was that it is premature to create such a network (which already exists informally). Each mediator/group will work on increasing constituency awareness about mediation as a "peace ministry".
During the meeting the Swiss Mennonite Conference reported about its decision to put in place a programme to develop mediation skills and services for its congregations. Juan Romero (CMB) remarked that this is probably the first time in Mennonite church history that a national conference agreed to embark upon such a multi-year plan to work actively at building a nonviolent Christian identity.
Another focus for the meeting was the development of the Global Anabaptist Peace and Justice Network of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC). This past January the General Council of the MWC appointed EMPC secretary Maarten van der Werf and Justapaz director Ricardo Esquivia (Bogota, Colombia) to develop this network for prayer and mutual support among Anabaptist congregations world-wide. The network will be operational by December or January.
Maarten van der Werf
trm
Transitions

Swazi Consultation on "Peacemaking from an Anabaptist Perspective"

"Our squabbling over differences is like two of us deciding we are thirsty. We go to a shop together to quench our thirst. We receive our drinks only to discover that you have Coke in your cup and I have tea. We begin to argue that, since our drinks are different, we can't possibly sit together to quench our thirst."

Swazi church leader Nomsa Mndzebele used this analogy to explain divisions between Christians in this tiny country that has three different, sometimes disagreeing, church bodies. She made her remarks at a consultation hosted by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in September to share the Anabaptist perspective on peacemaking.

MCC works with all three of Swaziland's church groups, and all sent representatives to the meeting. MCC's purpose was also to listen to what Christians had to say about the challenges facing Swaziland.

The assembled group of 15 Swazis were asked questions: When have you seen reconciliation in your own life? What are significant barriers to peace in Swaziland? In discussion groups of five each, people enthusiastically dis-cussed peacemaking in Swaziland, and challenged the disunity they feel within the church.

MCC workers in Swaziland find these consultations helpful for listening to the broader church and its struggles.

Swazis find it helpful to come to a forum where other various views are represented.

As one politically active church leader remarked: "This has been helpful. I have heard that the church must get in order before it can preach peace to the state."

Carolyn and Jon Rudy, MCC Swaziland
MCC News Service, 7 Nov 97