Litany of ResistanceJim Loney, who was taken hostage as a result of his ChristianPeacemaker Teams placement in Iraq, has written an excellent litanywhich can be used on Peace Sunday. It can be found atwww.cpt.org/publications/litanyofresistance.php.Readers’ TheatreO bind us in that heavenly chain—See appendix.Written by MatthewBailey-Dick, this ties <strong>to</strong>gether scripture readings and s<strong>to</strong>ries of conscientiousobjec<strong>to</strong>rs from the past and from the present.Vow of non-violenceCreate an opportunity during worship <strong>to</strong> recite the commitment <strong>to</strong>non-violence that is found at www.paxchristiusa.org/news_events_more.asp?id=55. It can also be used as a bulletin insert.BenedictionGod of perfect peace, violence and cruelty can have no part withyou. May those who are at peace with one another hold fast <strong>to</strong>the goodwill that unites them. May those who are enemies forgettheir hatred and be healed.Give us all the gift of your peace; make us in<strong>to</strong> people of nonviolence.Make us instruments of your peace, channels of yournon-violent love.Transform our hearts and transform our world, so that <strong>to</strong>gether,we may enter in<strong>to</strong> your reign of non-violence and see you face-<strong>to</strong>face.Amen.—John DearMusicMuch of the music in our hymnals and song books has a peace theologyas its underpinning, so there are many excellent choices. Beloware a few suggestions. (HWB– Hymnal: A Worship Book, WT–Worship Together, HPW– Hymns for Praise and Worship)We are people of God’s peace (HWB #407, WT #677)Christ is the world’s true light (HWB #334)You are the salt for the earth (HWB #226, WT #672)The kingdom of God (HWB #224)For the healing of the nations (HWB# 367, WT #683, HPW#320)If the war goes on(Sing the Journey #66)If you do not have access <strong>to</strong> themusic, the lyrics could be usedas a poem.If the war goes onand the children die of hunger,and the old men weep, for the youngmen are no more,and the women learn how <strong>to</strong> dancewithout a partner,who will keep the score?If the war goes onand the truth is taken hostage,and new terrors lead<strong>to</strong> the need <strong>to</strong> euphemize,when the calls for peaceare declared unpatriotic,who’ll expose the lies?If the war goes onand the daily bread is terror,and the voiceless poortake the road as refugees;when a nation’s pride destinesmillions <strong>to</strong> be homeless,who will heed their pleas?If the war goes on and the richincrease their fortunes,and the arms sales soaras new weapons are displayed;when a fertile field turns<strong>to</strong> no-man’s-land <strong>to</strong>morrow,who’ll approve such trade?If the war goes onwill we close the doors <strong>to</strong> heaven,if the war goes on,will we breach the gates of hell;if the war goes on,will we ever be forgiven,if the war goes on....John L. Bell & Graham Maule, 1997,revised 2002Resources for worship20
21 Resources for worship
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