wfn.org | Faith Groups Mark War's Anniversary, NCC Offers Resources

["Carol Fouke" <cfouke@ncccusa.org>]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FAITH GROUPS NATIONWIDE MARK WAR'S START WITH VIGILS, OTHER EVENTS
National Council of Churches USA Reports Steady Stream of Visitors to Its Web
Resources

March 19, 2004, NEW YORK CITY - Large outdoor marches and rallies won't be
the only observances this weekend of the first anniversary of the U.S.
invasion of Iraq.  Across the nation, thousands of houses of worship also
will be marking the anniversary with special events and as part of their
regular weekend services.

The National Council of Churches USA is offering special resources for this
weekend's observances on its Web site - www.ncccusa.org -- and thousands have
accessed the resources this week.  On Thursday, visits to the section of
prayers, readings, litanies, liturgies, reflections and other resources
averaged 185 per hour.

"Last year, America's faith communities were in the forefront of the search
for peaceful solutions to the Iraq crisis," said the Rev. Dr. Robert W.
Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches.  "This year,
they are leading reflection on where we are as a nation after a year of war."

Events planned include:

*  Workshops and an interfaith service Saturday morning at Seattle's First
Baptist Church, adjourning to a public rally downtown.	The day's events are
organized by the Church Council of Greater Seattle and the SNOW (Sound
Nonviolent Opponents of War) Coalition.  

*  An interfaith, silent walk around the Alfred P. Murrah Building site in
Oklahoma City, beginning at noon Saturday at The Episcopal Center.  The
"Spiritual Walk for Peace - One Year After" is sponsored by OK Peacemakers, a
coalition of people from local faith and conscience groups.

*  A noon Saturday demonstration in front of Fox News (Channel 13) in Tampa,
Fla., to "challenge mainstream media to do its job, to invest in
investigative reporting and critical analysis, so that the public can fully
debate crucial issues of war and peace with justice."  The demonstration is
sponsored by the Tampa Interfaith Peace with Justice Network.

* A religious event at 11 a.m. Sunday to highlight the importance of peace
with justice, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Mobile, Ala.

-end-

National Council of Churches
475 Riverside Dr, New York
New York 10115-0050
Media Contact: 212-870-2252
www.ncccusa.org

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