Multifaith leaders to fast for peace, end to Iraq war

Leaders from many religious communities have urged Americans of all faiths to fast from dawn to dusk on Monday, October 8 to call for an end to the war in Iraq.

“This war must end!” say the religious leaders in their statement about the interfaith fast. “We must end the shattering of Iraqi and American lives by offering American generosity and support -- but not control -- for international and nongovernmental efforts to assist Iraqis in making peace and rebuilding their country, while swiftly and safely bringing home all American troops.”

Bishop Christopher Epting, the Episcopal Church’s ecumenical and interfaith officer, is among those religious leaders supporting the event.

“Surely the one thing people of faith can do together to work for peace is to use the ancient spiritual disciplines which we share in common,” said Epting. “Prayer and fasting together, particularly during times of the year when a number of our traditions mark major holy seasons and days, seem pretty basic. I hope many Episcopalians will join this nationwide effort.”

The religious leaders are inviting millions of Americans to organize joint interfaith events in local communities to fast and break the fast together. Events can be registered here where groups can find a toolkit to assist in organizing such gatherings.

“American culture, society, and policy are addicted to violence at home and overseas,” says the organizing statement. “In our time, the hope of a decent future is endangered by an unnecessary, morally abhorrent, and disastrous war. Ending this war can become the first step toward a policy that embodies a deeper, broader sense of generosity and community at home and in the world.”