Category Archives: peace

Statement Calling for a Christmas Truce in Ukraine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Janet Parker, Madison for A World Beyond War
madisonpeacewalk@gmail.com | (608) 228-9096
Contact: Jerry Folk, Interfaith Peace Working Group
jerrylfolk55@gmail.com | (608) 513-3178

[Anyone who would like to support the truce may sign on here. ]

~ Wisconsin Faith Leaders Call for ~

a ~ Christmas Truce ~  in Ukraine

Inspired by the miraculous Christmas truce of 1914, local leaders petition the Biden administration to push for negotiations and will host a walk to involve the public on Sunday, December 18

 

Madison, WI – A diverse and quickly growing coalition of nearly 1000 faith leaders in the United States have signed onto a Christmas truce statement demanding a ceasefire in the War in Ukraine. Madison, Wisconsin leaders are hosting a walk to call for a Christmas truce on Sunday, December 18th. The public is welcome to participate.

Initiated by the Fellowship of Reconciliation, USA, the National Council of Elders, CODEPINK and the Peace in Ukraine Coalition, the Christmas truce for Ukraine, is inspired by the miraculous Christmas truce of 1914, in which 100,000 German and British soldiers ceased fire and participated in a brief and spontaneous peace along the Western Front. Emerging from their trenches, soldiers ventured into the “no man’s land” where they shared food and drink; they sang Christmas carols and even played soccer together. It was a potent example of how the human spirit can be a powerful force that transcends hate and division in the promotion of peace.

Several Wisconsin leaders and faith organizations that have signed the statement to support the Christmas truce in Ukraine. They include, but are not limited to, Sister Rosalie Lauer (Sisters of St. Dominic), Madison Friends Meeting (Quakers), Interfaith Peace Working Group, Reverend Erica Liu (Pres House), Pastor Valerie Showalter (Madison Mennonite Church), Rabbi Betsy Forester (Beth Israel Center), Nick Utphall (Advent Lutheran Church of Madison Christian Community), Julia Weaver (United Church of Christ), Phil Haslanger (Christ Presbyterian), and Pastor Peter Beeson (St John’s Lutheran), Rev. Jerry Folk (ELCA pastor), Rev. Franz Rigert, (Conference Minister, Wisconsin Conference, UCC), Rev. Frederick Trost (UCC pastor), and Sister Maureen McDonnell (Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa).

 

For a full list of signers visit this link.

The itinerary for the Sunday, December 18, Madison Christmas Truce Walk is listed below. The public is welcome to attend any part of the event.

• 10:45 am – St John’s Lutheran Church, 322 E Washington Ave. Clergy Rev Peter Beeson and Rev Julia Weaver have signed the call for a Christmas Truce.
• 11:15 am – Walk west, up East Washington and around the Capitol.
• 12:00 – 12:45 pm – Madison Friends Meeting (Quakers), 1704 Roberts Ct. The congregation signed onto the Truce.
• 12:45 pm – Walk to Pres House on Library Mall.
• 1:15 – 1:30 pm – Walk ends with a very brief vigil at Library Mall. Pres House will share their space for warming up at 731 State St.

 

More info on the walk 

7/26 Vigil Against Drone Murder ~ Tues @3pm ~ Volk Field Military Base

DRONES KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE

VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES

OUTSIDE THE GATES OF VOLK FIELD

TUESDAY JULY 26, 2022      3:30-4:30 pm

We need YOU there

Dear Friends,

Truthout published an article, “Missing Pieces: The Human Impact of Drone Strikes” which examines the way in which mainstream media may report on certain aspects of drone strikes, such discussing that there is no oversight on drone strikes and that they are increasing under Trump, but the mainstream media fails to give us a real understanding of what happens to the many thousands of people who are affected by drone strikes in the Middle East and in Africa.  Though this article was written in 2019, it is as true today as it was then, whether drones are used by the US military or in the war between Russia and Ukraine.  The author states that, “If people knew the details of what happens to bodies when they are hit by missiles, more people might protest war and advocate for peace.”

The article goes on to talk about independent organizations like the Bureau for Investigative Journalism, which attempts to count deaths by drones and conservatively estimates that almost 4,000 people have been killed in Afghanistan and over 1,000 in Yemen, but the actual death toll should really be doubled because of the difficulty in confirming the deaths.  And even more deaths when you consider that there are several other countries where drone strikes are prevalent.  It is also thought that less than 4% of the deaths by drones kill terrorists and the other 96% killed are innocent children, women, and men.

And though these statistics are important, it is even more important to really understand what happens to these innocent people who are killed by US drones.  Please read the whole article to understand the devastation we are bringing to our brothers and sisters across the globe.

WE MUST CONTINUE TO VIGIL TO BRING THIS TERROR THAT THE US GOVERNMENT REIGNS DOWN ON OTHERS TO AN END!

The vigil at Volk Field is a legal vigil where we will be on public property.  As always, it will be a solemn vigil, remembering the victims of US government drone attacks.

DIRECTIONS – To get to the vigil, take the Camp Douglas exit off Interstate 90/94 between Mauston and Tomah.  When you exit take County Rd. C to the northeast.  You will see the base straight ahead, but follow County Rd. C to the right and within a few blocks is a picnic wayside where you can park.  The wayside is now open for the summer and we can park in the wayside parking lot.  There are restrooms available.

Map Info    <——-

THE VIGIL – We will gather at the wayside between 3:00-3:15 for introductions and to review the plan for the vigil, and then process together to the gates of the base where we will hold a solemn vigil for one hour to remember those killed by drones.  Participants can stand in silence or read poems and stories about the effects of drone warfare.  It is important that the voices of the victims be brought to the gates of Volk Field.

Bring posters if you can.

A WORD ABOUT THE WEATHER – If you have questions about the vigil because of the weather, please make sure to call

  • Joy at 608 239-4327 or
  • Bonnie at 608-256-5088
  • for an update.

CARPOOLING –  If you are interested in carpooling to Volk Field from Madison, please contact Bonnie at 608-256-5088.

We hope to see you at the vigil on July 26.  If you can’t come this time, mark your calendar.  We usually vigil on the 4th Tuesday of every month.  If you have any questions please call or email Joy at 608 239-4327 or joyfirst5@gmail.com or Bonnie at 608-256-5088 or  blb24@earthlink.net  .

Peace,

Joy and Bonnie

Wisconsin Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars

Madison Peace Walks ~ July 15

The weather forecast shows the showers will end this afternoon, and we’ll have clear weather this evening!  Hope you’ll join us for a talk and a walk.

Facebook Walk Event – Please Invite Others

War is never the answer.  We walk weekly to call for a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations to end the war.

Peace Walks for Ukraine and the World

Special guest Peng Her this Friday

Friday July 15, at 7:00 pm – We are delighted to welcome Peng Her, CEO of the Hmong Institute and candidate for Lt Governor.  He will speak about war and nonviolence from his personal experience and commitments.

Place:  Yahara Place Park, where the Yahara meets Lake Monona.  Map.  We’ll gather on the grass.  Bring a chair or a blanket if you would like.

We’ll start with a moment of silence and then a song.  Peng will speak and take questions.  Then we will walk our usual route north along the Yahara River, into the sunset.  We’ll stop at E Washington Avenue with signs and banners to greet drivers, walkers and bikers from about 8:00 – 8:15.  Then on to Tenney Park, for a closing circle there near the Locks at about 8:30.  Sunset will be at 8:35.

Join us for all or part

Details for our walks each week are posted here.

Do you know the dynamic international peace group World Beyond War?  You can sign their Peace Pledge here.

Drop us a line at peacewalkmadison@gmail.com

Join our google group to get invitations to the Peace Walks here.

Yellowstone Lake Area Peace Walk ~ Sat May 21 ~

Saturday May 21 peace walk at Yellowstone Lake in Blanchardville

Begins 10 am

 

Yellowstone Lake State Park | Wisconsin DNR

 

 

~ Peace Walks for Ukraine and the World continue ~

All are invited to a join a peace walk through the tranquil Yellowstone State Park, honoring our watersheds and rejoicing in peaceful community. Songs, poems and prayers in celebration of water and life are welcome.

 

We will begin with a short ceremony at the park headquarters (near the west entrance), walk the paved road that hugs the lake, and end in ceremony at the dam (near the park’s east entrance).  The distance is approximately 2 miles.   We welcome a few volunteer vehicles to help transport walkers back to their cars.

 

After the walk, a fellowship of picnic lunch will happen at the beach.

 

* Note:  A state park sticker will be needed for daily admission *

  Questions:  Seres at <sskyrie@protonmail.com>

—

Janet Parker

608-228-9096
janetparker8@gmail.com

“What we need is not escalation of conflict with more weapons, more sanctions, more hatred toward Russia and China, but of course, instead of that, we need comprehensive peace talks.” — Kyiv-based Ukrainian peace activist Yurii Sheliazhenko (more here)

“Peace is big. War is big business, you know; and they like war ’cause it keeps ’em fat and happy… and I’m anti-war, so they’re trying to keep me out.”

– John Lennon, 1969

No photo description available.

“Remember love. The only hope for any of us is peace. Violence begets violence. If you want to get peace, you can get it as soon as you like if we all pull together.”

– John Lennon, July 1969

Past Friday evening Peace Walks.  April 29 / May 6 / May 13

Best source for latest walk information and updates. 

Schedule

  • 6:30 – Yahara Place Park, gather at the mouth of the Yahara Canal for silence and a song
  • 7:00 – 7:10 –  Vigil and greet to drivers and bikers at East Washington Avenue
  • 7:30 – Closing circle near Tenney Park Locks and enjoy the sunset.

 

War is never the answer.   We support brave Ukrainian and Russian anti-war protesters who fly a new flag for peace.

 

Bring your friends and family.   All are welcome.  Please help us spread the word. This is an open, joy-filled and inclusive event that celebrates the power of a peaceful community. Families, all ages, colorful flags, costumes, bubbles, etc are welcome!  We will walk on sidewalks and bike paths – good for wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, small bikes, etc.  Join us for a block, a few blocks, or the whole mile.  We invite you to read the six tenets of Dr Martin Luther King’s philosophy of nonviolence.

 

 

From World Beyond War: We oppose the Russian invasion and call for the immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops. We recognize that the expansion of NATO and the aggressive approach of Western states have helped cause the crisis and we demand an end to NATO expansion. We also oppose sanctions that will harm ordinary Russians and call on all countries to welcome all refugees fleeing the war.

Join the peace walk google group here for notices of future walks. 

volunteer or contact:

peacewalkmadison@gmail.com