London: thousands march for peace, social justice

picture: ICN

Pax Christi members joined with thousands of trade union groups, the National Justice & Peace Network, Young Christian Workers, Church Action of Poverty and others on the March for the Alternative, to help make the connection between military spending and spending on welfare and human security. More than 250,000 people are estimated to have taken part in the demonstration.

In a week which has seen a budget commit £40 billion to Defence and only £24 billion to Housing, £7.5 billion to Overseas Development and £3.3 billion to Energy and Climate Change, this march and rally were a timely reminder of the need to look at how priorities are set for UK Domestic and Foreign policy.

Before the march, there was standing-room only at St Martin-in-the-Fields for the memorial service for Archbishop Oscar Romero, champion of the poor and a voice for nonviolent transformation of society. His words and witness continue to be an inspiration and encouragement to Christians involved in work for peace and social justice - and speak as loudly today as thirty years ago.

For a film explaining part of the protestors' campaign, which was shown in Hyde Park on Saturday, see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gV4-KQGWww