Support for Military Families in my town

[Mari333]

Last week I called a pastor at the Methodist Church in town here, who is vehemently anti-war...I told him specifically that we needed his help in forming a support group for military families like us who are losing their minds with worry and anger...his response was amazing
He called me today and said "I was in jail for 6 months for refusing to go to the Vietnam War, and your stepson, if he chooses to, has a legal right to SANCTUARY in my church if he chooses NOT to go to Iraq....NO ONE can touch him ...NO ONE...legally..
I will also be forming a committee at our church and we will make sure the PRESS is there and we will start with a dinner for the military families so they can get to know each other.."
He also told me he has watched the MOVEON.ORG video of the Truth Uncovered about the War in Iraq..
So, even in THIS small town, there is a radical liberal minister who , as he said, "owns the pulpit"..and is radicalizing his congregation to NOT support this war..
Hes a nice man, Im not a Christian, but hes not an asshole..
At least my husband and I will not be all alone in our terror of his son and my stepson going to Iraq on Jan. 4th.
If this can happen in a small Midwestern town, it can happen anywhere.

[Superfly]

1. Is your stepson in the active military? NT

NT

[IrateCitizen]

2. Mari, I thought your son got past the stop-loss

If not, then this is not good.

It IS good to hear, however, that you have some clergy in your town that take the message of Christianity seriously. I am a Unitarian Universalist, and while I like much of the openness of my fellowship, the complete lack of committment to any one side of any issue gets to me at times.

I'm starting to work with a Quaker group near me, counselling people seeking CO discharges. My status has still not been decided, and I am not overly optimistic either, but I figure the least I can do is to prevent others from making the same mistakes through the process that I did.

My thoughts and prayers go with you and your family right now, Mari. I know all too well how trying of a time this is for all of you.

[Mari333]

7. Its my stepson who is in the Army Reserves who is going

My son got out...thanks to DU and Will Pitt and Senator Levin...my stepson, however, is on his way to Iraq on Jan 4th. for a year...
Im glad my other 2 sons didnt sign up for this shite.

[DuctapeFatwa]

3. That pastor sounds like a brave man and a good person to know

I hope your stepson will talk to him before making his decision.

[Superfly]

4. Talk to the preacher right after talking to

a really good lawyer.

[demsrule4life]

5. Correct

The military is all volunteer (at least for now) no one forced him to sign those papers or take that oath. If your son was a civilian and trying to beat a draft due to religious reasons he would stand a better chance at not going to jail.

[G_j]

6. He was brave to accept jail time

for his convictions and it sounds like he hasn't lost that courage.
It's very heartening to hear stories like this. thank you