CPTnet
28 June 2007
CHICAGO/TORONTO: Christian Peacemaker Teams announces delegations to the
Philippines
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is seeking participants for delegations to
the Philippines scheduled for 13-27 October 2007 and 15-29 February 2008.
Human rights agencies report hundreds of extra-judicial killings and
disappearances in the Philippines since 2001. Victims have included
community activists, journalists and church leaders. In the southern island
of Mindanao, a decades-long armed conflict between indigenous Muslim groups
and the Philippine government continues despite peace negotiations.
Peace and justice advocates rejoiced in the closure of U.S. military bases
in 1991, but a subsequent Visiting Forces Agreement re-opened the door for
the on-going presence of U.S. soldiers in the Philippines. Hazardous waste
materials left by the U.S. military at the closed Subic Bay Naval Facility
and Clark Air Force Base still seriously endanger the health of impoverished
communities nearby.
Members of the CPT delegation will visit human rights organizations and
church leaders in the Manila area to gain awareness of the current
situation. They will meet with residents near the former U.S. military
bases and learn about the campaign to hold the U.S. accountable for bases
cleanup. They will travel to the southern island of Mindanao to meet with
those affected by the conflict there. Delegates will listen to the voices
of ordinary Filipinos and local groups involved in violence reduction and
justice advocacy, and plan a nonviolent public witness in support of local
efforts. They will become equipped to raise awareness about initiatives of
their own governments, such as U.S. military aid, which can adversely affect
citizens of the Philippines.
CPT is a faith-based group that seeks participants who are interested in
human rights work, committed to nonviolence, and willing to participate in
team worship and reflection. Delegates should have plans to share about the
trip upon return to their home communities and congregations.
Participants raise $2700 US ($2900 Cdn) to cover costs, which include
round-trip airfare from a designated U.S. or Canadian city, all on-ground
travel, two meals a day, simple accommodations, and program expenses. For
more information or to apply, contact CPT, PO Box 6508,Chicago, IL 60680;
phone 773-277-0253; fax 773-277-0291; e-mail delegations@cpt.org or see
CPT's website at: http://www.cpt.org/. (Click on "Delegations" and follow
instructions for downloading an application form Please include a summary of
your experience as requested, as well as the two-page form.)
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Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) seeks to enlist the whole church in
organized, nonviolent alternatives to war and places teams of trained
peacemakers in regions of lethal conflict. Originally a violence-reduction
initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonite, Church of the Brethren
and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of
Christian denominations.
To ask questions or express concerns, criticisms and affirmations send
messages to peacemakers@cpt.org.
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