Quakers Appeal for the Release of Christian Peacemakers Held Captive

8 Dec 2005

Response

QUAKERS APPEAL FOR THE RELEASE OF CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER TEAM MEMBERS HELD CAPTIVE

Quakers Express Concern Over Kidnapped Peacemakers

British Quakers are deeply concerned for the four kidnapped members of the Christian Peacemaker Team in Iraq and we appeal to the captors for their safe return. The four, Norman Kember (UK), Tom Fox (USA), James Loney and Harmeet Sooden (Canada), are actively engaged in the work of Christian Peacemaker Teams and have publicly opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq. 

The Christian Peacemaker Teams, a non-governmental organization, arrived in Iraq in 2002 in opposition to the imminent war and continues to work for the rights of Iraqi prisoners who have been illegally detained by US occupation forces. The organization, founded in 1986, was amongst the first to document and expose the abuses at Abu Graib and other US operated prisons and detention centres in Iraq.  British Quakers work alongside the Christian Peacemaker Teams in Hebron in the West Bank.

The Christian Peacemaker Teams is one of the few remaining international humanitarian organizations working in Iraq. Their presence maintains a critical, nonviolent public witness to the violence and instability which persists in the country.  Team members knowingly work at great risk to their own health and security. Christian Peacemaker Teams hold religious beliefs but are not missionaries and do not proselytize.

The kidnappings have caused enormous suffering and pain to the captives, their families, associates, and friends. We appeal to those responsible for the kidnappings to release all four peacemakers unharmed.

British Quakers believe there is no military solution to the conflict in Iraq and have been consistent in our criticism of violence and have consistently worked for peace. We join with all those demanding a withdrawal of UK troops from Iraq.

For further details please contact:

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

Eudora Pascall
Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 020 7663 1048
Mobile: 079 5800 9703
Email: eudorap@quaker.org.uk