Religious-left groups to fast for end to Iraq conflict

The National Council of Churches, with the support of an organization named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a Texas terror case and another lobbying for multiple sexual partners, has scheduled a day of prayer and fasting Oct. 8 in support of an immediate end to the war in Iraq.

Stan Hastey, of the Alliance of Baptists, condemns U.S. involvement in Iraq as "unjust and seemingly unending"

"When you are fasting for Ramadan, you are enhancing your sense of compassion," said Sayyid Syeed from the Islamic Society of North America, one of the organizations working on the project. "We will be asking mosques to open their doors to people of other faiths around the world on October 8 for prayer and dialogue."

The plans were announced by the National Council of Churches, which noted that among the other supporters is the Council on Islamic American Relations, which was cited by federal prosecutors in Texas who are working on the trial of the Islamic charity Holy Land Foundation.

The foundation and five of its former organizations are accused of supporting Hamas, and it was in this case prosecutors named CAIR as an unindicted co-conspirator.

The announced plans, however, brought a negative reaction from the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

"Left-wing mainline Protestants are joining Muslims in a political fast aimed at getting the United States to 'end the war' in Iraq, an objective that no U.S. action could quickly accomplish," said Mark Tooley, executive director of the IRD's UMAction.

"Organizers cite the biblical prophet Isaiah as a model for fasting, but Isaiah called upon the people of Israel to fast as an appeal to God's mercy, not to make a political statement," he continued. "This protest fast is not about spiritual transformation but about exploiting an ancient religious practice for a political purpose."

The NCC announcement noted that leaders of faiths "representing tens of millions of faithful Americans" are participating in the "day of fasting and prayer to end the Iraq war."

"We must return to the ancient disciplines so that we will turn away from violence toward reverence," noted Rabbi Arthur Waskow, of the Shalom Center in Philadelphia.

Members saying they represented Muslim, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Unitarian and Baptist "traditions" were on hand. They used the ram's horn, or Jewish shofar, to sound a "wake up" call to the nation. They also placed ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance, and a bell was tolled to announce the fast, from dawn to sunset on Oct. 8. Plans are for a Muslim "iftar" meal that evening.

"Sadly, these fasting religious groups seem not interested in helping the Iraqi people, protecting the United States or safeguarding human rights and promoting decent government," Tooley said. "Inspired by the almost mythical anti-Vietnam war movement of their youth, organizers pin responsibility for Iraq's violence exclusively on the United States."

He said the groups want U.S. troops to leave Iraq immediately.

"Ostensibly, the Religious Left fasters want to 'end the war in Iraq.' But they do not explain how removing U.S. and allied troops would accomplish that goal," Tooley said. "The sectarian conflict in Iraq likely will continue with or without U.S. involvement."

"In their announcement, the Religious Left fasters note that their fast coincides with Columbus Day, a day that is 'overlaid with a history of violence and conquest.'" Tooley said. "For the Religious Left, America is the world's exclusive purveyor of violence and oppression, and the Iraq War is simply the latest example of America's perfidy."

"A more authentic fast would appeal to God's mercy for peace and security for Iraq and the United States," he said.

But the organizers said the biblical revelation "from beginning to end" is a revelation of peace. Stan Hastey, of the Alliance of Baptists, said the NCC has opposed the war from the beginning and the U.S. involvement is "unjust and seemingly unending.

"Our nation is engaged in a horrendous war, one destructive of civilizations and divisive of communities. We have a responsibility to end our violence and to make concrete our compassion for the people of Iraq," said Sister Marge Clark, BVM, a member of Pax Christi USA.

Other groups in support of the event include the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, Episcopal Peace Fellowship, The Fellowship of Reconciliation, Jews Against the War, Network of Spiritual Progressives and Religions for Peace USA.

ISNA sent a letter to other Islamists, asking for their participation.

"Assalamu Alaykum, Once again the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting is coming with all the blessings and favors from Allah Almighty. Particularly, around Oct 8, we will be looking for the Night of Power that opens the doors of Allah's mercy, forgiveness and spiritual enhancement, praying during that one night is equal to praying for a thousand months.

"The good news is that this year we are not going to fast alone. A large number of our friends from other faiths have decided to fast with us on Oct 8 and pray that evening for the end of Iraq war. They will be joining us in our prayers for peace and justice. This will be a unique experience for America to see Muslims joined by peace loving People of the Book, fasting, praying for the end of suffering and humiliation of the weak and the oppressed," the Islamic invitation said.

Also participating in the promotion was Rabbi Debra Kolodny of the Aleph Alliance for Jewish Renewal and author of "Blessed Bi Spirit: Bisexual People of Faith." Kolodny, who is a proponent of "polyamory," or multiple sexual partners, led participants by saying "today we will activate our senses…"

Others in attendance were Jim Winkler, general secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, and Rev. Christopher Epting of the Episcopal Church.

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