Disarmament

A collection of statements, events and activities from the United Church, other religious organizations, and justice and peace partners from around the world regarding the crisis with Iraq.

From the Moderator

A Call to Prayer and Action (March 19, 2003)

Today we drink deeply of God's strength and pour it into the rawness of our horror and grief. The peace that so many of us have pleaded, worked and prayed for so passionately has resulted in war.

Public Declaration Against War in Iraq (Winter 2003)

Add your name to this Canada wide declaration for Peace—as a group or individual—and join over 14 000 individuals and dozens of faith communities.

A Proposed Prayer (January 10, 2003)

January 18 was the 12th anniversary of the start of the last Gulf War. At that time the Moderator offered a proposed prayer for peace vigils.

For Children, Youth, and Families

Helping Children, Youth and Families Deal with the Outbreak of War in Iraq

Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, ministers, parents, and caregivers in the faith community should expect that children and youth will be filled with a host of questions and concerns about this war and the resulting violence.

Support of War Resisters

Statement in support of Bill C-440 and the rights of conscientious objectors [PDF: 5 pp/77 KB]

A joint statement from Canadian churches and church organizations, including those in the peace church tradition, voicing firm support for Bill C-440, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (war resisters).

Other Resources

• A Ritual for Peace
  From Erin Mills United Church, Mississauga, Ontario. This ritual involves reading scripture passages on peace. Can be used as a closing, after a meeting or gathering.
• A Prayer for Peace [RTF: 3 pp/21 KB]
  A prayer resource for families and congregations.
• Spirit Connection Special Program: Responding to War
  A visit to St. John's United in Halifax, where peace activists and military families share the pews; an interview with Maj. Laurelle Callaghan, a United Church chaplain who served in Afghanistan; and an interview with Dale Hildebrand about how people can continue to advocate for peace in a time of war.