VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS)-The Pentagon announced today that the 2,500th U.S. military volunteer was killed in the Iraq War. Religious congregations across the nation are joining forces to mourn this tragic milestone.
"The death of the 2,500th U.S. soldier is a profound loss for our nation and the world," said Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA of which American Baptist Churches USA is a partner. "As persons of faith, we are called not only to remember their sacrifice, but also to remind our leaders that we are called to be peacemakers."
Religious congregations and peace organizations are encouraged to participate in the nationwide interfaith initiative, "Ring in Remembrance" next week-end, June 24-25, 2006, by ringing bells, especially the bells of their houses of worship, to honor the fallen and remember their hurting families.
The bell ringing effort is organized by an interfaith electronic advocacy community dedicated to advancing justice in public policy called FaithfulAmerica.org, a program of the National Council of Churches USA. "Bell ringing has historically been used to call communities together in times of joy, sadness, or crisis," said Vince Isner, director of FaithfulAmerica.org. "We believe this is not only a time of sadness, but an opportunity to ring in a new season of peace."
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/