As everyone is probably well aware, a team of four peacemakers working in Iraq for Christian Peacemakers Teams (CPT) was recently abducted. The email copied below came in from the CPT office this afternoon (Friday 12/2) and suggests action on the part of churches, peace committees, and others who support the work of CPT in Iraq. The CPT website is cpt.org, where more information and news is available.

There is also a new website, freethecaptivesnow.org/ with a petition, links, and action suggestions. A recent Democracy Now! broadcast had an encouraging interview at http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=05/12/01/1525256 listing Iraqi religious and political leaders requesting the release of the CPT team.

OK, here is the email from the CPT office:

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CPTNet

CHICAGO/TORONTO - A request for statements of support

December 1, 2005

As you probably know, four of our colleagues, Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom, are missing in Baghdad, Iraq. We want their safe return home. Their families are very worried about them. We do not know with whom they are staying, but there appears to have been a misunderstanding. They are peacemakers, not spies. CPT has consistently opposed the war and the continuing presence of multinational forces in Iraq.

If you, or your organization, could issue a statement which underlines the firm commitment to peacemaking by CPT and its personnel, it would be very helpful at this critical juncture. You might wish to incorporate the comments made in the previous paragraph. You might also wish to affirm the work of CPT as you understand it. We seek to reduce violence and to advocate on behalf of the human rights of all Iraqis. We do so in all of our other current projects as well--in Colombia, Palestine, Canada, and the Mexico/USA Borderland. We work for peace in Iraq and for an end to the Occupation of Iraq.

Please word your statement in such a way that it appeals to the humanity of the current hosts of our loved ones and avoids any negative stereotyping. If you feel like you need more information, or want to check the exact wording of your statement with us, you may call Jo Roberts at +1-416-423-5525 between noon and 8 pm EST. If you have connections in the Middle East, it would be particularly helpful for you to translate your letter into Arabic and distribute it to your contacts and media in the Middle East.

It would also be helpful to distribute it to your contacts and media in your own region. For those of you who live in countries which are a part of the Occupation of Iraq, especially the USA and the UK, this is also an opportunity to advocate for an end to the Occupation.

We would appreciate receiving a copy of your statement at Together we can end the scourge of war and violence.

Doug Pritchard and Carol Rose Co-Directors Christian Peacemaker Teams