December 2, 2005

Dear Members of the Swords of Justice,

 
I traveled to the West Bank/Palestine with Christian Peacemaker Teams this summer (2005) and can attest with firsthand knowledge and experience that they are an organization of nonviolent peacemakers who work tirelessly to alleviate suffering and address injustice in prophetic and powerful ways. Before traveling I agreed that force should not be used to free me if I were taken hostage.

 
The four friends that you have with you are committed to nonviolence and peace and are in Iraq not to support the occupation but to do all that they can to curtail the suffering and bring the occupation to an end. They also have agreed that violence should not be used to attempt to free them. 

 
Harmeet, Tom, James, and Norman have not picked up the sword against you nor have they supported those who do. They have laid down their weapons and seek peace without inflicting harm. For you to use the sword against them is a great injustice and contradicts the very name of your group. 

 
Please sincerely consider their courageous efforts and this humble request and release them to their families. I am under no illusion that one letter can change the course of history, but please hear the voices of the many who affirm the nonviolent nature of this organization and of these four men.

 
As-salaam Alaikum,

 
Paul Alexander

Coordinator, Pentecostal Charismatic Peace Fellowship