This summer, the war in Iraq has dragged on with its ever-climbing death toll while polls indicate that a growing majority of U.S. and Iraqi people want US troops to exit the country and return home. The Homeward Bound Act 
, a proposal for bi–partisan legislation, was introduced in Congress in mid–June and calls for the U.S. President to develop a plan for a phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by the end of 2005 and to initiate the plan as soon as possible and no later than Oct. 1, 2006. An intensive grassroots advocacy campaign in support of this legislation has begun and will continue this fall. A major mobilization for peace is planned for September 24-26th in Washington, DC.
Urge Your Representatives in Congress to Support the Homeward Bound Act:
The Win Without War Coalition , of which the UUA is a member, has sent a letter to Congress calling for a phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and for the President to develop an exit strategy.
Use the summer recess to contact and visit your representatives home office. Make your position known.
Get your congregation organized for advocacy in the fall.
- Take the Next STEP for Iraq : Help build momentum for a change in U.S. policy towards Iraq through the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Create a Churchyard Iraq War Memorial. Several UU congregations have built memorials in their churchyards to commemorate the US and Iraqi war dead. Create your own.
Host a Forum. Speakers and films are available from a host of organizations including 20/20 Vision , American Friends Service Committee , and Brave New Films' Uncovered: The War in Iraq , by Robert Greenwald.
Order Bumper Stickers, Refrigerator Magnets, T-Shirts for Peace.
The message for peace needs to be seen everywhere:
Contact UU congregations working for Peace and Disarmament
Summer Peace Activities for Children and Families
Get Ready for the September Mobilization :
Join the UUA's Social Action Chair News and Advocacy-News email lists for information about a UU contingent at the march. The organization Clergy and Laity Concerned about Iraq have endorsed the September mobilization and are planning interfaith activities.
For Parents and Youth
What UU Congregations are Doing:
First Parish in Bedford, Unitarian Universalist (MA): On June 5th, U.S. Cong. Martin Meehan spoke at First Parish about the war in Iraq, encouraged by his conversations with Brian Hart who, since the death of his son John in Iraq, has made truth-telling his life's work. Meehan and Hart have made common cause in exposing unwelcome truths about the war and dissenting from both pro and anti-war orthodoxies. The website of First Parish in Bedford offers a link to Cost of the War in Iraq on their home page. Click here for more coverage of Meehan's statements on the war.
After recently visiting Iraq, Meehan prepared a draft White Paper that outlines an exit strategy, including a withdrawal of most American troops within 12-18 months. His White Paper is available online .
First Unitarian Church in Portland, OR : On Fri., July 29, 2005 veteran peace activist Bruce Gagnon, coordinator of the Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, spoke on “The Battle for Our Nation's Soul.” Gagnon, the author of titles including "Come Together Right Now: Organizing Stories from a Fading Empire," was invited to speak at the congregation by the Economic Justice Action Group, WILPF, OPSR, and the Multnomah Meeting of Friends.
Main Line Unitarian Church, PA : held a Sunday Service on "Why Iraq Matters" on July 31. Peter Lems, American Friends Service Committee program assistant for Iraq, led this thought-provoking service and said, "After more than two and a half years of war, many Americans have little understanding of the human cost. This service talked about the struggles and hopes of the Iraqi people. Eyewitness accounts and images from our partners on the ground in Iraq illustrated the challenges, sorrow and rewards of accompanying the Iraqi people towards peace and sovereignty."
To tell us what your congregation is doing to promote peace, please contact the UUA Office of Congregational Advocacy and Witness! 
For Additional Information:
UUA Statements: The War Against Iraq
