Meta Peace Team

Register to hear a compelling and informative panel of longtime fighters for Palestine justice and liberation. Kim Redigan, Huwaida Arraf and David Finkel. https://bit.ly/solidarity-sept21
‼️ While the current war on Palestine is often viewed through the lens of October 7th, its roots extend back over a century. The Israel-Palestine conflict cannot be resolved without confronting its foundational issues—long-standing violations of international law and deliberate acts of ethnic cleansing.
📌Join us for a panel discussion that delves into the historical context, life under occupation, the current situation on the ground, global solidarity and the Palestinian liberation movement, and how antisemitism is used to stifle constructive discussions on the topic of Palestine. We will also explore practical ways to take responsible collective actions. A group conversation will follow the panel.
Space is limited, so sign up fast. 👇
🗣️✨ There will also be a Q&A session, so bring your questions!
✅ When: Saturday, September 21 at 12:00-1:00 pm PST | 2:00-3:00 pm CT | 3:00-4:00 pm EST
💻 Where: On Zoom – Register here: https://bit.ly/solidarity-sept21
Don’t miss out on this insightful teach-in and community conversation, and take action together!
See you there!
゚

SERIOUSLY.....

So grateful for these nonviolent peace warriors, in the West Bank to offer protective accompaniment and human rights monitoring. Members of Pax Christi and Meta Peace Team are among them. As the Quakers say, let’s “Hold them in the light” as they do their work, and wish all a safe return. Photo credit

Fr. Peter Doughtery is turning 90 in August and it is time to celebrate! Three separate birthday gatherings - Traverse City, Lansing, and Detroit – have been arranged to honor Peter, offering his beloved community multiple chances to celebrate with him.

Peter has devoted his life to peace and justice. Let's honor him just as we have the other influential figures and friends in the peace and justice movement (like Bishop Gumbleton, the Berrigan brothers, and Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin)! Let's join together with love and admiration to party with Fr. C. Peter Dougherty!

At 90, Peter has all the worldly possessions he could want. The gift he wants most is to know the work of MPT will continue for another 90 years or more! Birthday envelopes can be sent to MPT to make his wish come true!

Birthday gifts can be made at:
https://metapeaceteam.fundraiserdonorportal.com/index.php?show=donate&

Or mailed to: Meta Peace Team, 201 W. Miller Road, Lansing, MI 48911

Event locations and registration links are listed below:
Traverse City
Saturday, August 10 / 1-3 p.m.
RSVP: https://forms.gle/LfKkjP8cpTNh3BkVA
The venue address will be sent to you once you register.

Lansing
Saturday, August 24 / 1-3 p.m.
RSVP: https://forms.gle/SUZum954ev4FBExt5
The venue address will be sent to you once you register.

Detroit
Saturday, August 31 / 1-3 p.m.
RSVP: https://forms.gle/YaHnx2uW488CQ6rv7
The venue address will be sent to you once you register.

https://conta.cc/3XXWoTV

Can you believe it?!?!?!? Fr. C. Peter Dougherty is turning 90! Watch for details on his birthday celebrations!

Can you believe it?!?!?!? Fr. C. Peter Dougherty is turning 90! Watch for details on his birthday celebrations!

Today marks the commemoration of the liberation of enslaved individuals. This observance allows us to have challenging dialogues about inequality and methods to eradicate existing injustices and forestall future ones. Join MPT and learn ways to end injustice with integrity and nonviolence.

Join Pranay Somayajula for a powerful and much-needed conversation on Sunday, June 23, at 4-5 PM Eastern Time. With Human Connections

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/june23-story

Through his activism and writing, he unites diverse histories and struggles for justice, building solidarity between movements and people —from South Asia to Palestine and beyond.
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IMPORTANT CALL TO ACTION FROM OUR COMMUNITY SENIORS - FRIDAY MAY 30, 11AM
First Housing Corporation has told hundreds of Senior Citizens at the Grange Acres Community in Haslett, Michigan that they intend to destroy their tiny, personal gardens (some of which are pictured below). Many of these gardens are decades old, and have provided emotional & spiritual sustenance to the gardeners and the residents.
These Seniors are heartbroken: Despite their pleas, First Housing Corporation (FHC) plans to demolish and remove these gardens as soon as this weekend, Saturday, June 1st. Appeals have been made over and over again...without success.
NOW THEY ARE ASKING FOR OUR HELP.
Please come and stand in solidarity with our Elders as they plead with management to let them keep their little gardens.
Grange Acres residents will be gathering TOMORROW, May 31st - 11a.m. at the FHC Office:
4275 Five Oaks Drive, #3
Lansing, MI 49811
These Seniors simply want to be heard. They have asked that all that want to support them join them. Please, carve time out of your busy schedule to stand with them, join in their peaceful protest, invite your friends, and bring your signs to increase visibility. Meta Peace Team members have been informed that they are especially welcome as the Grange Acres community members truly want to maintain a powerful yet nonviolent presence.
Important information on this issue is at the link below:
https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/.../seniors-fight-to...
Let's demonstrate our appreciation for our Elders, and their devotion to these little "green spaces". In these challenging times of climate change, these tiny oases should remain a most welcome addition to their community.
Let's show up!

IMPORTANT CALL TO ACTION FROM OUR COMMUNITY SENIORS - FRIDAY MAY 30, 11AM
First Housing Corporation has told hundreds of Senior Citizens at the Grange Acres Community in Haslett, Michigan that they intend to destroy their tiny, personal gardens (some of which are pictured above). Many of these gardens are decades old, and have provided emotional & spiritual sustenance to the gardeners and the residents.
These Seniors are heartbroken: Despite their pleas, First Housing Corporation (FHC) plans to demolish and remove these gardens as soon as this weekend, Saturday, June 1st. Appeals have been made over and over again...without success.
NOW THEY ARE ASKING FOR OUR HELP.
Please come and stand in solidarity with our Elders as they plead with management to let them keep their little gardens.
Grange Acres residents will be gathering TOMORROW, May 31st - 11a.m. at the FHC Office:
4275 Five Oaks Drive, #3
Lansing, MI 49811
These Seniors simply want to be heard. They have asked that all that want to support them join them. Please, carve time out of your busy schedule to stand with them, join in their peaceful protest, invite your friends, and bring your signs to increase visibility. Meta Peace Team members have been informed that they are especially welcome as the Grange Acres community members truly want to maintain a powerful yet nonviolent presence.

Important information on this issue is at the link below:
https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/stories/seniors-fight-to-save-their-gardens-at-grange-acres-in-haslett,97260

Let's demonstrate our appreciation for our Elders, and their devotion to these little "green spaces". In these challenging times of climate change, these tiny oases should remain a most welcome addition to their community.
Let's show up!

The Continuous Nakba! From our friend

watch here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=891343436127732&ref=sharing

MPT sent out our Spring Appeal letter out awhile ago. At the time, we were well aware of how dire things felt, not only with the crisis in Gaza, but also with the increased animosity demonstrated towards students protesting to stop the siege. Here's a ray of hope: Five years ago, MPT would have an average of 2 up-coming violence de-escalation skills trainings on our calendar at any given time. Today, we have over 20! People ALL OVER THE U.S. are seeking alternatives to violence, and working to do human rights advocacy both effectively and nonviolently. THAT is a tangible indicator of our success. If you haven't read Melody's letter at the link below, please do. THANK YOU for continuing to support this vital work we are doing, with your help. As Julia Ward Howe - the founder of Mother's Day - said, "I am confirmed in my division of human energies. Ambitious people climb, but faithful people build."
PEACEMAKERS ARE PEOPLE OF FAITH: They have faith that things can change for the better, and that our participation is key in that change. Thank you for joining us in "being the change we wish to see in the world".
- Mary Hanna, on behalf of the MPT Core Community
https://conta.cc/3UEMOBU

Great article on the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza.

Will the Freedom Flotilla Sail to Gaza? The non-violence training to join the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s ships to Gaza has been intense. As hundreds of us from 32 countries gathered in Istanbul, we were briefed about what we might encounter on this voyage. “We have to be ready for every possibility,” our trainers insisted.

Yes.

https://youtu.be/ckoPUSg5Wa8

Bishop Tom Gumbleton - In his own words It is with a heavy heart, and yet one filled with the appreciation of having known him, that we share the news that Bishop Thomas Gumbleton passed away today...

It is with a heavy heart, and yet one filled with the appreciation of having known him, that we share the news that Bishop Thomas Gumbleton passed away today. We will keep you posted as plans for services are made. In the meantime, please hold his family, his community, and his friends in your thoughts. We will all miss him deeply, but recognize that he will never be further than a whisper away...the whisper of "Peace". Thank you, Tom, for your courage, determination, steadfast faith, and and unyielding commitment to seeing God in everyone.
This photo is of Tom accepting the Bishop President Emeritus recognition from Pax Christi USA Executive Director, Johnny Zokovitch in 2022....just one of the capstones that marked a life lived with dignity, compassion, courage, the pursuit of justice, and the passion of following in the steps of the nonviolent Jesus. And all of this done within God's ever-permeating love. For Tom, God and Love were synonymous, and we take that lesson to heart:
"That's God — love. We're called to enter into that mystery because we're made in the image of God, so we're called to be people who love. The only way we grow into our fullness as a human person is by loving, loving one another."
Thank you, Tom, for pointing out the way for us so very clearly. 🕊️

Meta Peace Team in action at the Ceasefire Now event in Dearborn. Welcome to our newest peace team members.

Nice picture taken by one of our student photographers at our Lenten Walk for Racial Justice. It's great to have colleagues as new peace team members . . . and several students trained and ready to help out after they graduate.

It is time for the international community to learn more about the violence, corruption, and human rights violations occurring in Cameroon. Join Meta Peace Team as we unveil more about Cameroon.

What to get your friend for her birthday?? How about a greeting from one of her favorite musical groups. Hope your day had been filled with sweet harmony, Mary. ❤️🎉☮️🎼🎂

Mitch Grassi for Mary From Kim. Connect with your favorite stars.

THE ONLY ART I KNOW by Kim Redigan about Water Injustice, from Detroit, Flint, Palestine to Haiti.

The Only Art I know! #poetry #art #palestine #water #justice #detroit THE ONLY ART I KNOW by Kim Redigan about Water Injustice, from Detroit, Flint, Palestine to Haiti. Website: www.human-connections.net TikTok: www.tiktok.com/...

Read our latest blog entry, "Silence is Violence," here: https://www.metapeaceteam.org/post/silence-is-violence-walking-away-from-interfaith-work-that-can-t-find-its-voice

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Meta Peace Team is co-sponsoring this important event and call to action. Please join us and invite others.

Don't forget! Wonderful opportunity in Ann Arbor, MI tomorrow!
Visit

Reclaim January 6th: Nonviolence & De-escalation Training Train up & Prepare for Peace-Keeping & Community De-escalation

Don't forget! Wonderful opportunity in Ann Arbor, MI tomorrow!
Visit https://givebutter.com/De-escalationTraining