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If the Archbishop of Nigeria has been a poor example of Christian reaction to persecution then the family of James Loney, one of the Christian Peacemakers just freed in Iraq, is an example of what's best in Christ's church. In case you've not heard, four men were taken hostage in Iraq four months ago. They were members of the Christian Peacemaker Team, a group whose motto is "Getting in the Way." By this they mean both in the way of armed groups who are oppressing and harassing civilians and "in the way" of Christ - following his lead. In practical terms, these people interview prisoners of war to make sure they're not mistreated, take pictures of soldiers and militia abusing civilians and generally stand in witness to conflict...it's amazing what an armed group won't do when someone from "outside" is watching, especially if that someone has a camera and access to the media. The good news today was that three of the four men were rescued. The fourth, an American, was found dead a couple weeks back. He was most likely killed because he was carrying a U.S. military ID - he was a retired military man. Members of the CPT think that he was carrying that ID because it helped grease the wheels at U.S. POW camps and allowed him access to what was going on inside. Anyhow, today the three remaining men were found alive and in "reasonable condition." Their families reacted with joy...and with true Christian strength. Regarding the "Swords of Righteousness," the group that took the four men hostage, the Loney family has expressed no ill will or anger. "In the spirit of the prophetic non-violence that motivated Jim, Norman, Harmeet and Tom to go to Iraq," reads the family's statement, "we refuse to yield to a spirit of vengeance." The statement goes on to say, "We pray that Christians throughout the world will, in the same spirit, call for justice and for respect for the human rights of the thousands of Iraqis who are being detained illegally by the U.S. and British forces occupying Iraq. During these past months, we have tasted the pain that has been the daily bread of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. Why have our loved ones been taken? Where are they being held? Under what conditions? How are they? Will they be released? When?" The families of the other freed hostages expressed relief that no shots were fired and no blood spilled to affect the rescue. No talk of getting even, no passion to see harm done to the people who have made their lives and the lives of their loved ones miserable for four months. Just joy that the men are free, sorrow for the family of the one killed and a call for greater respect, humanity and peace. These are people who know, probably better than I'll ever know, what it is to follow Christ. Archbishop Akinola, take heed. |
