London: Launch of Faith and Resistance Network

More than 40 Christians committed to risking arrest for witnessing to the peace and justice of Jesus Christ gathered at the launch of the ‘Faith and Resistance Network’ last Saturday, 15 July. The Network now includes over 50 Christians who have pledged to take non-violent direct action in defence of peace, social justice and the planet, who count over a hundred arrests between them. Among the members from a wide range of denominations are six priests, one nun, two lay preachers, members of the Catholic Worker movement, Put Down the Sword, and Christian Climate Action.

The network aims to encourage and support Christians taking radical protest action such as blockading the DSEi Arms Fair in east London during the ‘No Faith in War’ day on 5 September, shutting down coal mines and occupying premises of corporate tax evaders.

The main speakers were Andrea Needham, author of 'The Hammer Blow' about her experience of disarming a BAE Systems Hawk jet and spending six months in prison: and Rev Dan Woodhouse and Sam Walton who earlier this year attempted to disarm a F-111 due for export to Saudi Arabia.

Father Martin Newell read out messages of support from Martin Sheen, the actor, Catholic Bishop Thomas McMahon and Martha Hennessy, grand daughter of Dorothy Day and member of the Catholic Worker movement founded by Day.

Participants took part in workshops including non-violent direct action in the Bible, the limits of non-violence and experiences of prison.

For more information on the Faith & Resistance Network see:
faithandresistance@gmail.com www.faithandresistanceblog.wordpress.com