Invitation to Democracy and Dissent

INVITATION TO DEMOCRACY AND DISSENT

WHY DO IT?
In the best tradition of democracy, which itself represents a great leap forward in forms of human governance, the peace churches of the United States issue an "Invitation to Democracy and Dissent." Endorsers of this invitation are listed at www.ecapc.org/endorsers.asp.

In the Spring of 2002 our national leaders tell us that we are engaged in a war on terrorism, a war on evil, and that this will be a long-lasting war. The economy of the United States has been described, not inaccurately, as a "permanent war" economy. The politics, and what might be called (rather generously) the diplomacy of the United States, equally reflects a "permanent war" mentality.

We, as churches committed to the way taught and lived by Jesus Christ, are not satisfied with this state of affairs. We believe that questions must be raised, and that it is the first duty of citizens and citizenship to raise questions about how the nation is being governed.

INVITATION TO ALL
We therefore invite all residents of the United States of America to enter the doors of our houses of worship on Tuesday evenings every week to search for truth in a time of immense obfuscation and deception, and to define alternatives to war in a world which cannot survive many more days, and surely not years, of war. We shall call these gatherings "TUESDAY TRUTH FORUMS," as a witness to the simple, but profound duty of Christians, and citizens of any or no religious persuasion, to seek truth. Over recent months we have observed again that the first casualty of war is truth, and we will rush to the aid of this casualty.

Our churches will provide the space to meet, facilitation of the discussion, and some information which goes beyond what the government and the media deem wise or necessary to provide to the public. The Tuesday Truth Forums are town meetings at local churches where questions about this "permanent war" are asked without fear and where the search for truth about the so-called "war against terrorism" is pursued without embarrassment.

We invite people to ask themselves and one another, "Do you think this war is working?" We will assess how God is faring in the competition between God and country. We will ask whether the flag has replaced the cross as the best symbol of our Christian understanding of the power which might overcome evil. We will ask what President Bush's favorite philosopher, Jesus, might say about this war, all war, and what means might be expected to both respect human dignity and hold some chance of success in the struggle against evil in the world.

March 10, 2002

HOW TO TAKE ACTION
See how to set up a forum at www.ecapc.org/tuesday.asp. We encourage you to send in your endorsement! and share your experiences on our Forum.

A TUESDAY TRUTH FORUM will be held in your neighborhood at:

To endorse, contact: Every Church A Peace Church/New Call to Peacemaking, PO Box 240, Akron PA 17501, 717.859.1958 jstoner@ecapc.org
See a short history.