CPTnet
October 28, 2002
CLEVELAND: Lee Heights Community Church participates in March against war
in DC

by Amy Gomez

On October 26, 2002, five Cleveland CPTers were part of an diverse group of
Lee Heights Community Church members--ranging in age from 13 to 70
years--who marched in protest to the U.S. military build-up and government
calls for war with Iraq.

At a breakfast at Washington City Brethren Church, hosted by MCC's Daryl
Byler, Cleveland CPTer Elluage Carson was moved by the Holy Spirit to
speak. Following his proclamation of Dr. MartinLuther King's entire "I Have
A Dream" speech, attendees from several states, including Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida, were acknowledged.

As the Cleveland CPTers traveled by subway to the site of the march near the
Washington Monument, several Washington residents and guests excitedly
inquired about the group and the march. During the rally which preceded the
march, the Lee Heights members stood with other Mennonites among a rapidly
thickening crowd of young and old, black and white, American and
foreign-born--including Iraqis and Palestinians--and listened to many
speakers, including former presidential candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Cleveland CPTers Jacqui Rozier and Eullage Carson were interviewed by what
appeared to be reporters for the independent media.

During the march in downtown Washington, loudly chanting protesters calling
for the replacement of President Bush flanked the Lee Heights group. As the
CPTers hoisted their placards reading "Jesus is the Prince of Peace", "Pray
for Peace" and their banner reading, "Christians Speak Out: No Iraq
Invasion", and sang inspirational songs, led by Cleveland CPTer, Jackie
Rozier, several men and women rushed over to march and sing with the group.

When a marcher shouting negativeslogans noticed the placard Rozier carried,
which read, "Jesus Said: Love Your Enemies", he asked, "Doesthat include
Bush?" Rozier answered, "There is enough love for everyone, including our
president."

The event's organizers estimated that more than 100,000 people marched. D.C.
Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey affirmed that more than 75, 000 had
participated in this event (the figure given for a rally in support of
Palestinian rights in DC in April 2002.)