Dear Faith Community Leader:
We write to encourage your congregation's participation in a significant community effort--the commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. See the coupon for ways to participate.
We often focus on the differences among our faiths, rather than the principles we share. While our traditions take various positions on the overall legitimacy of war, they all condemn the killing of innocent civilians and the use of weapons which are so destructive that they can't help but be indiscriminate.
With the anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9) fast approaching, we hope you will join us in honoring the lives of the victims and committing ourselves to the creation of a world where weapons of mass destruction are no more. The campaign is united under the theme: "Remember Hiroshima & Nagasaki: Demand a Nuclear-Free Future."
A coalition of organizations including the Syracuse Peace Council, Peace Action of Central New York, Pax Christi and the Syracuse Solidarity Network is planning two events for this commemoration. Full details are provided on the enclosed flier.
Highlights include:
· A work party to fold paper cranes and make
Lanterns, Monday, August 4 at 7 pm at the Syracuse Peace Council,
2013 East Genesee St., 2nd floor.
· The annual dramatic procession
through downtown Syracuse to honor the victims -Wednesday,
August 6, leaving City Hall at 12 noon (gather at 11:30 am wearing
white or light colored clothing).
· An Interfaith Sharing for Peace Gathering
followed by launching of Lanterns for Peace on Onondaga Creek hosted
by the Zen Center of Syracuse, 266 W. Seneca Tpk. Thursday, August 7 at 7:30
pm.
For the innocents who suffered 63 years ago, for those still suffering from the effects, and for our children who need not grow up under the nuclear shadow, we ask you as faith leaders to support this effort. We thank you for your consideration and look forward to your response.
In Peace,
Andy Mager
Syracuse Peace Council
Gerry Lotierzo
Peace Action of Central New York
Dick Keough
Pax Christi
Sera Brown
Syracuse Solidarity Network
Events sponsored by:
Syracuse Peace Council (315) 472-5478
Peace Action of Central New York (315) 478-7442
Pax Christi (315) 446-1693
Syracuse Solidarity Network email