St Martin of Tours - Feast Day

St Martin of Tours is known as the first conscientious objector and a great peacemaker in the Christian church. His feast day of 11 November (or the nearest Sunday) which is also observed as Remembrance Day for remembering those killed in wars (it was called Armistice Day following the First World War).

Lutherans have had a long history of responding to the gospel call to be peacemakers. One of the initial motivations for the formation of a Lutheran peace movement in the US was the need to support those resisting the draft through conscientious objection to military solutions to conflict. LPF traces its roots to this movement dating back to 1940.

For more contemporary information on current issues relating to the military service, see LPF's resource: Youth and the Military

For further information on St Martin of Tours, here are several links:

Martin of Tours

St. Martin's Day

St Martin — patron saint of conscientious objectors

November 11th. St. Martin of Tours.

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS BISHOP, CONFESSOR—316-400

St. Martin of Tours

International Day of Nonviolence - Video Series

International Day of Nonviolence was declared by the United Nations to be marked on October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and a pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. Check out our video series on Gandhi's philosophy and its impact.

Advocacy Alert

The US is not living up to our potential regarding the poor of the world in a number of major ways. We have a rare opportunity to influence far-reaching legislation to change a number of those problems: read more . . .

International Day of Peace 2009

The International Day of Peace 2009 and The International Day of Prayer for Peace, observed widely on Sept. 21 in congregations and at the ELCA Center in Chicago. LPF and the ELCA offer a variety of peace prayers and other resources that can be used throughout the year. LPF’s director was one of six Lutheran peace leaders whose reflections were featured on the home page of the ELCA web site for the week preceding the 21st. more resources . . .

Urgent Action: Defend Democracy in Latin America

The future of democracy in Latin America is at stake: do we continue on the road to democratic norms and the rule of law, or are we to head back down a dark path where power is seized and held through violent means. read more . . .

LPF Resources for Leaders

Here is a new select list of LPF resources for leaders all on one page.

Volunteer at the ELCA Youth Gathering

New Orleans July 22-26, 2009

Volunteer opportunity: Can you help out at the ELCA Youth Gathering? LPF's large exhibit area includes the Path of Hope, peace flag art activity, and resources for action. There are a variety of ways to plug in, and you'll be inspired by meeting lutheran youth and adults, sharing stories, and new peacemaking info. If you're not going, please pass this on to someone you know. Give us a call to talk it over! Rev. Carol Jensen, 425-422-5494 lpfyouth@gmail.com

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