Reverend lights candles in Iraq protest

[Judi Lynn]

Reverend lights candles in Iraq protest
December 19, 2004 - 5:09PM


An Australian clergyman will attempt a world record by lighting 16,419 candles - one for every civilian killed in Iraq since its occupation.

Anglican Reverend Paul Wood, of the Victorian town of Mansfield, will be battling strong winds in his attempt, but has vowed to complete the symbolic gesture.

He said he had based the memorial on the "conservative estimate" of 16,419 civilian deaths since the American-led attack and subsequent occupation.Mr Wood said he'd had strong support from the community and 33 teams of people would be helping him light the candles.

"There are a lot of people responding to this who are a bit concerned about the ethics of the war," he said.

"Since the invasion, we've wondered what the collateral damage would be.It's so devastating and the civilians' deaths seem to be just swept under the carpet, so we're hoping to help people be able to visualise the devastation of this war."
(snip/...)

http://www.theage.com.au/news/Breaking-News/Reverend-lights-candles-in-Iraq-protest/2004/12/19/1103391629032.html
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[daleo]

1. I would say each candle would be worth about 5 civilian lives, at least

But good for him.

[xchrom]

2. a candle against the dark

i don't know -- i love my liberal priests -- and i love the gesture.
but it seems futile when put in a christian context right now.
until liberal christians throw down the gauntlet and let conservatives know, that in no uncertain terms, the two out looks are not related and that conservatism in the faith is evil -- then i really can't care much.

[annabanana]

3. well... the Anglican community is pretty big...

but sadly, under a strain right now over the ordination of a gay Bishop who ISN'T in hiding. So, while it will be beautiful, it may be marginalized community-wide.