Theories "Just Peacemaking" much more than non-violence There is a compassionate rebel in everyone Healing the wounds Peacemakers Children can learn to be Peacemakers Local Peacemaker Makes a Difference The landmine issue Banning landmines: why the US won't sign the treaty Kids on the edge of a minefield |
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Info on the School of the Americas from the Resource Center |
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Nuns on the Run IT'S pouring down rain, it's cold, and it's just another day for the McDonald sisters. They are outside Alliant Tech Systems in Minneapolis, protesting at the weapons manufacturing plant. The sisters Brigid, Jane, Kate, and Rita are all Catholic nuns. They are also all biological sisters. Rita, the oldest, is 76 and has been a nun for 54 years. Jane, the youngest, has been a nun for 44 years. "Two of our sisters found men," says Jane. "The four of us found Jesus." The sisters protest every Wednesday morning at Alliant Tech Systems. This particular Wednesday in April is no different than most. The sisters arrive at seven in the morning, hold signs, and pray. Today there are 35 protesters along with the sisters. There are 12 college students from throughout the Twin Cities, four college professors, three journalists, a dozen or so other activists, and three 6th grade boys. Employees walk through the protest lines on their way to work, accompanied by security guards hired by Alliant Tech Systems. "Our hearts go out to the employees because they have to feed their families," says Jane. "We try very hard not to have violent protests." The employees pass and there are no words exchanged. Breakfast at Baker's Square Anthony Burns, a 6th grader, is introduced to the sisters by his teacher. "I came to meet some real nuns," says Anthony. "I'm part of our War-Free Group at school. Our slogan is, 'The brain and the mouth, working together for change.' " With that, Jane gives Anthony a hug and a kiss and the youth sits down to have breakfast with the nuns he came to meet. The breakfast conversation is about a play that the sisters are producing and acting in, about The School of the Americas. The School of the Americas is a U.S. Government run school that trains Central American soldiers. These soldiers have been accused of crimes against humanity. Kate says that the sisters have all been directly affected by war because their uncle was killed in World War One, at the age of 24. Jane says the sisters have developed a new outlook on war. "We grew up believing that war was patriotic," says Jane. "We've experienced a radical change." Later during breakfast, the sisters discuss plans for this spring's civil disobedience protest at Alliant Tech Systems. The last two civil disobedience protests had over 400 protesters at Alliant Tech Systems. The sisters have been arrested over 30 times at civil disobedience rallies. "I want to point out that we do only non-violent, pacifist, civil disobedience," says Kate. The sisters are Sisters of St. Joseph's of Carondolet, whose mission is to be advocates of the poor. According to the sisters, there is no question how war affects the poor, or how Alliant Tech Systems affects the poor. "It is very clear the impact of war on the poor," says Kate. "It is also very clear the impact that the weapons Alliant Tech makes has on the poor. That is why we practice civil disobedience and that is why we have been arrested." At last spring's civil disobedience protest 83 people were arrested. Only four were ever charged. All four sisters were arrested. The sisters say that they will continue to protest at Alliant Tech rain, snow, sleet, or shine. They also plan to partake in this spring's civil disobedience at Alliant Tech. |