Olive Branch Interfaith Peace Partnership

Below please find a brief report from a member of the Network of Spiritual Progressives about last week's events.

The rally was powerful from beginning to end, with all the speakers and then the prayer circle, first outside and ultimately inside the Hart Senate Building. I've participated in several peace rallies but this was the first one I felt really reached some of the key people that need to hear our pleas, our songs and prayers.

One older man from Duluth, MN, who was arrested at our action in the Hart Building, said he had been to many rallies over the years and had been arrested several times. He also said it was most powerful protest he'd ever participated in.

It was very moving, peaceful and powerful. We sang softly and for a long time in the Hart lobby atrium - This Little Light of Mine, We Shall Overcome, Oh Freedom, Peace Salaam Shalom, Siyahamba (in English) - and applauded as each of the 42 protestors sitting in the circle surrounded by the Capitol police was led away in handcuffs. It was totally peaceful. All the protestors and all the police were respectful and a lot of people peered over the office balconies to see what was going on. I felt strongly that this is what we need to do - to get in the faces of the people that need to hear our prayers and pleas for peace, but in a peaceful, respectful, and beautiful way. This event was, in my opinion, the epitome of that.

My heart is so full. I look forward to seeing you all again, soon I hope, and to helping the NSP vision reach more people.

With Gratitude and Love,