Swords into Ploughshares, from confrontation to peace

Nuclear weapons are part of a military system designed to protect first world privileges,otherwise known as "vital strategic interests": cheap raw materials, unfair terms of trade, debt interests, transnational holdings etc. We hear that "you can’t beat the system" because the system is always more powerful, and this has a strong subduing effect. Nuclear weapons convey the same message to those who might hope to oppose the unjust global system. Most of us are unaware that many privileges are based on

injustice and violence. We are blinded by our riches, as Jesus warned, and the truth is kept in darkness. "Man's inhumanity to man", what the First World inflicts on the so called Third World: impoverishment, death and violence is a major disaster. The massive expenditure on indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction is even more grotesque considering this.

So, we tried to shed some light. Not by simply criticising with words but by acting in hope. We have sought to communicate a positive message: that living without nuclear threats and without privileges based on violence is possible.

One early morning in November 2000 myself and Susan van der Hijden of the Amsterdam Catholic Worker community, as a Jubilee Ploughshares 2000 action,entered RAF Wittering in England where we disabled a nuclear warhead transporter, enacting the prophecies of Micah and Isaiah, "they shall hammer their swords into ploughshares". We sprayed messages: "Love is the fulfilment of the law", "Drop the debt,not the bomb" and "The kingdom of God is among you".

The 6 months we have been in prison on remand awaiting trial is an offering, an attempt to enter into solidarity with people around the world.

We hope and pray that through our actions we might stimulate some debate, that people might enter into conversations that are the beginnings of reconciliation. We hope that instead of being deaf to the cries of the poor, that ears will be opened and questions will be asked.

"Why do we have nuclear weapons?"

"Who is (supposed to be)the enemy?"

We pray that we may open way for some understanding so that the Jubilee,the messianic age of Micah and Isaiah may come closer to fulfilment. It is ultimately this hope that we are witnesses to.

Fr.Martin Newell,

Prisoner EM6780,HMP Belmarsh.Weston Way,

Thamesmead SE28 OEB,UK.