Getting In The Way: Stories From Christian Peacemaker Teams - Softcover

"These harrowing accounts of nonviolent interposition read like first century martyrologies. The courage of these Christian Peacemakers Teams is breathtaking, and will serve to challenge others to similar heroism." —Walter Wink, Jesus and Nonviolence

"Getting in the Way recounts thrilling stories about one of the most exciting and important recent developments in nonviolent peacemaking. Even tiny numbers of Christian Peacemaker Teams have demonstrated dramatic effectiveness. Think of the impact if the Christian church would train and deploy thousands of courageous peacemakers using the effective strategies of the brave pioneers described in Getting in the Way." —Ron Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action

"In a world filled with war, violence and untold suffering, many are seeking hope. Getting in the Way introduces us to courageous women and men who give us hope. The personal stories of these 'ordinary people with big hearts and a passion for justice' touched me deeply. One cannot read this wonderful book and not be inspired to work for a world of peace and nonviolence." —Father Roy Bourgeois, founder, School of the Amercias Watch

Jim Loney

December 16, 2002, The Farm, Durham, Ontario—Interview The reporter begins with a predictable question: "Why do you want to go to Iraq?" Putting my CPT training to good use, I have a sound-bite ready: "Just as soldiers are asked to sacrifice their lives for the state, as a Christian who believes in nonviolence, I believe that I must be prepared to make the same sacrifice." "We are living in dark moral times," I add. "A time of lies and war, and lies to justify war." As the reporter scribbles, I think, "That sounded good." Settling back in his chair, George Weber looks at me and asks, "What are you going to do if they start dropping bombs on Baghdad?" There is a twinkle in his eye, that devil’s-advocate grin spread across his face. George and I trained together for CPT. Not one for prefabricated answers, he is testing me. Have I really thought through my decision? I feel myself stumbling. I avoid the question. "War doesn’t seem all that imminent. One thing that might happen is that the Iraqi government could evacuate us, just like they did with the Gulf Peace Team in 1991." I am conscious of an overwhelming desire to come home alive. George, the seventy-three-year-old veteran world traveler, chuckles. "When the war comes, there won’t be any government left to do anything. It will be chaos. What you’ll need is two thousand American dollars in your pocket to hire someone to drive you out of the country. But don’t worry." He smiles. "I’ll look after you."