Sojourners Calls for Immediate Release of Christian Peacemaker Teams Members
For Immediate Release
Friday, December 02, 2005
Media Contacts:
Jack Pannell, Sojourners, jpannell@sojo.net,
202/ 745-4614
Celeste Kennel-Shank, Sojourners, celeste@sojo.net
202/ 328-8842 ext. 645
MEDIA RELEASE
Sojourners Calls for Immediate Release of Christian Peacemaker Teams Members
Washington, D.C.---- (Friday, December 2, 2005) Sojourners is alarmed and saddened by the kidnapping of four Christian Peacemaker Teams members - Harmeet Sooden, Jim Loney, Norman Kember, and Tom Fox - in Baghdad on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005. We are afraid for their lives and pray for their speedy release.
Christian Peacemaker Teams began work in Iraq in October 2002 to oppose the U.S. invasion and to offer support to the Iraqi people. They have consistently and courageously promoted peace with justice through solidarity with the people of Iraq, and opposition to the occupation. They are not spies for any government, nor do they work for any government. They have clearly and publicly opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq. They are religious people who have deep respect for the Islamic faith and for the right of Iraqis to self-determination.
Sojourners has collaborated with Christian Peacemaker Teams around the world and reported on their work in Sojourners magazine. We know them to be a legitimate witness for peace, completely committed to faith-based nonviolence. Staff members of Sojourners have participated in Christian Peacemaker Teams delegations in high conflict areas. We know from personal experience that they do not support any armed group. Sojourners staff members know some of the men who have been kidnapped and we can vouch for their good character and commitment to peace.
We have deep respect for the work of Christian Peacemaker Teams in the United States and around the world to shine light on abuse and intimidation of civilians, and promote peace for all people. We join with people of good will around the world in praying for their immediate release so that they may continue their vital work as witnesses and peacemakers.
Sincerely,
Jim Wallis, Executive Director, and staff
Sojourners, a Washington, D.C.-based Christian peace and justice organization
