As we went to press...

This news digest was prepared from news and wire reports by Witness news editor, Pat McCaughan.

People of faith join swelling protests as war talk continues

From the nation’s capital to San Francisco, demonstrators staged peaceful marches on Oct. 26 in protest of the Bush administration's plan to proceed with an invasion against Iraq. The demonstrators were angered by the ongoing war talk, in spite of widespread opposition throughout the nation, and by the United Nations and U.S. Allies. The numbers of protesters in Washington, D.C. reportedly swelled to more than 100,000, while in San Francisco, tens of thousands turned out, requesting that the billions of dollars that would be spent on war with Iraq be used instead on domestic social programs. Groups of faith-based peace activists carried banners and signs expressing their opposition to war. Similar efforts, organized by the Progressive Religious Partnership and other local faith groups, were held in 13 cities across the country on Oct. 24.

Earlier in the week, about 40 peace activists had gathered at St. Alban's Parish chapel on the grounds of the National Cathedral to pray for peace, especially that the U.S. not begin a war with Iraq.

As the Oct. 26 protestors took to the streets, two 16-year-old delegates to the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine put forward a last-minute resolution opposing unilateral war with Iraq. Wiley Todd and Sam Rector, high school juniors, crafted and presented the controversial statement, working through a cumbersome legislative process with what observors called a "resepectful patience." The two young men were elected delegates from the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Thomaston, Me., and were the only teens serving as delegates in the entire convention of 67 congregations. In presenting the resolution, Todd, with Rector by his side, called the delegates to "walk the walk they’d talked" in their prayers for peace during worship. Debate ensued, reflecting a wide division of views and the vote was so close as to require a recount. At the recount, the resolution passed the convention decisively.

Interfaith leaders adopt peace resolution in South Africa

Leaders from seven major religions and 21 African countries have adopted a historic declaration committing themselves to working for peace on the African continent. The great variety of delegates to the Interfaith Peace Summit – among them South Africa's Chief Rabbi, Cyril Harris, Benin's High Priest of Voodoo, Houna Agbessi Daagbo Hounon and Ishmael Noko, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation – underlined the summit's achievement in forging a common dedication to peace.

Archaeologists debate significance of James' burial box

Religion scholars and archaeologists are debating what appears to be the oldest archaeological reference to Jesus. The reference – found in an inscription on a burial box, or ossuary – is actually made to James, who in New Testament accounts is referred to as Jesus' brother. The inscription reads: "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus," and is, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Biblical Archaeology Review, "the first-ever archaeological discovery to corroborate biblical references to Jesus. The small limestone box, the color of sand, nearly 2,000 years old, is 10-in. by 20-in. by 12-in. and is inscribed in the Aramaic language spoken by Jews in Jerusalem in the 1st century A.D. Andre Lemaire, one of the world’s foremost scholars of ancient scripts, announced that "it seems very probable that this [box] is the ossuary of the James in the New Testament." Lemaire said that if the container is authentic, it would emphasize the fact that early Christians still thought of themselves as essentially Jewish.

Methodist Wellstone tireless advocate for the poor

Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minnesota) was killed in a private plane crash in Minnesota on Oct. 25, along with seven others, including his wife and daughter. He is remembered for his passionate embrace of peace and justice issues. A Methodist, Wellstone was remembered in church circles as a tireless worker for the poor, said Robert Edgar, a United Methodist clergyman, former U.S. congressman and head of the National Council of Churches (NCC) staff. Edgar said he and Wellstone had worked together on children's issues, health care, the environment and poverty.

"Even in what turned out to be the last days of his life, Sen. Wellstone, despite a close political race for re-election, preserved his integrity in voting against the ‘Use of Force’ resolution to enable U.S. action against Iraq," Edgar said. "At the time we cited his courage and selflessness in placing conscience above self-interest."

Wellstone had also been concerned with availability of employment and was supportive of job training programs. A leader in the fight for affordable health care, he had recently led efforts opposing the extension of drug patents that increases costs and decreases availability to consumers. The Minnesota senator worked with the church on farm issues, women's issues, peace issues, environmental issues and campaign finance reform. "Making life better for poor people was one of his main goals," said Jaydee Hanson, an executive with the United Methodist Church's international agency for advocacy and social action. Hanson added. "He was also forthright in ways a lot of politicians aren't."