About Catholics For Peace - Toronto
Catholics for PEACE is a small but growing group of concerned Catholics who are trying to make the statement that a non-violent approach to living and dealing with the world’s problems is the only solution that will work in the long term.
We are opposed to the use of military force as a means of enforcing our will upon others, no matter how well meant, or even as a means of protecting our own physical and commercial assets. As Christians, we are committed to the “terms” that the Lord has imposed on the nations …
They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. (Isaiah 2: 4)
Report on Downtown Toronto Peace Rally in October 2006
Reported by: Larry C
Greetings, everyone - and thanks to Daniel for his views & feedback on the October 28 pan-Canadian demonstration to Stop the War in Afghanistan. This Peace Rally & March was a wonderful experience for many thousands of Canadians in 37 cities towns and communities across the land.
Although I did not meet with Daniel, due to Bert's unfortunate accident with his vehicle in transit to our rendezvous site, I also joined the Toronto event beginning at University Avenue & Armoury Street, across from the US Consulate, followed by the peaceful march through the downtown core to the Moss Park Armoury in solidarity with the coalition for "Homes Not Bombs" organized by Matthew Behrens and the people of Toronto Action for Social Change.
The many people involved, the First Nations woman who chanted a beautiful native prayer and played on her drum, the various gifted speakers and their thoughtful, sometimes provocative words, even the brilliant autumn sunshine which eventually broke through the clouds as we prepared to walk to the Armoury. It was a memorable event in many ways.
The highlight of the day for me was meeting with Christopher & Stephanie Teske, the latest U.S. War Resisters to arrive here in Toronto, seeking Refugee status with the hope that they will be allowed to stay and live here in Canada. This marvellous young couple of recently married conscientious objectors just arrived in our city earlier this month at Thanksgiving.
I believe that we are indeed fortunate to have such courageous young Christians and people of conscience in our community. They decided to leave everything they had behind in America and flee to Canada because they refuse to have anything more to do with the killing and the dehumanizing process of military warfare. We are privileged to welcome them and the values they stand for. "War Resisters are welcome here in Canada". Our nation and its people will be immensely richer and blessed by their presence among us.
Jeremy Hinzman, who arrived here with his wife and infant son in January 2004, will join me in a presentation at our next meeting of Catholics for Peace, to explain the process of resisting war, conscientious objection and how we can support the growing number of war resisters living in our city and other communities across Canada. Jeremy and his family are real pioneers in this process. They are appealing the negative ruling of the Immigration & Refugee Board and the Federal Court of Appeal on their petition to remain here as citizens.
In my opinion, this is an opportunity of a lifetime: to commit ourselves and our group to these good people and to this just cause, to the War Resisters, as a concrete activity of evangelization. And I see this initiative as a unique example of local action for peace, in keeping with our goal of establishing Pax Christi in Canada. They are welcome among us now. God willing, they will be allowed to stay with us and live in peace.
Larry C
Report on Downtown Toronto Peace Rally in October 2006 - other site
Reported by: Daniel G
I heard that some of us were at Mississauga under the banner of Catholic for Peace - I was at University - USA Consulate in another Rally - i was late to meet bert and Larry as previously scheduled. I met with old frineds - teachers from OECTA - colleagues from CUPE and many other verterans working for Justice and Peace - Murray - Fred, CSM women and men and many young people.
Fr. Bob Holmes was there as well an many other Catholics. It is good to have a presence. We remembered the times of Litton Industries in HWay 27 (they were making the key parts of the Cruise Missile on the early 80's) Money doesn't change much - still multiplies with the blood of innocent people through war and injustice. Our Challenge is strive to love tenderly, act justly and walk humbly with our God.
I was at the Cathedral with hundreds of altar servers - male and female - if all of us together we change our hearts working for peace what a different world would be.
Daniel G