MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leslie Tune, National Council of Churches ltune@ncccusa.org, (202) 481-6927
Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Sikh and other People of Faith to Hold Prayer Vigil for Peace in Iraq in front of U.S. Capitol "Blessed are the peacemakers . . ."
**PHOTO OPPORTUNITY**
Washington, D.C., March 8, 2006 -- As war and violence in Iraq tragically continue with great loss of life and ongoing destruction, more than 500 people of faith are expected to gather on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at noon on Monday, March 13 to share in prayer, devotion and unity, calling for peace and stability for the people of Iraq, while expressing profound sorrow at loss of Iraqi, American and allied lives. In mosques, temples, and churches around the world people of faith are praying for peace in Iraq and the welfare of the Iraqi people.
Representatives of various faith traditions will offer scriptures and prayers for peace and an end to violence and war in Iraq. Those attending the vigil will take part in a pledge of commitment to work for a more just and peaceful world.
Vigil participants hope that their fervent offering of prayers and heartfelt commitment to be a healing presence in the world will advance the cause of true peace and security for the Iraqi people.
WHEN: Monday, March 13, 2006 12-1 p.m.
WHERE: West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
WHO:
? Rev. John McCollough, Executive Director & CEO, Church World Service ? Rabbi Scott Sperling, Director, Union for Reform Judaism?s Mid-Atlantic Regional Council ? Zuleqa Husain, Muslim Public Affairs Council ? Rev. Simon Bautista, Latin American Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington ? Suzie Armstrong, Vice President, The Interfaith Alliance ? Prabhjit Singh, National Sikh Gurdwara ? Sister Simone Campbell, National Coordinator, NETWORK ? Jennifer Gubitz, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism ? Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Assoc. General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA ? Ecumenical Advocacy Days Participants from across the country
Editor's Note: For more information about the Interfaith Prayer Vigil or Ecumenical Advocacy Days, contact Leslie Tune, National Council of Churches, (202) 481-6927. For a full schedule of Ecumenical Advocacy Days activities go to http://www.advocacydays.org.