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Independence Mall Vigil for Peace

On 4 April 1999, a collection of individual Friends felt moved to witness for peace when the U.S. engaged in fighting in Kosovo. They met again the next Sunday, silently praying for an hour on the sidewalk in front of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. And the next Sunday. And the next.

Each week since, Friends and people of other faiths gather at Independence Mall on Sunday evenings to worship for peace in the world and in our lives. They welcome any who care to join them, starting at 4 PM.

They have prepared a statement explaining the vigil and its expansion in scope beyond the Kosovar conflict.

Vigil Reports:

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
  1. 4 April 1999 · The first vigil is visited by students, a Park Ranger, and a reporter.
  2. 12 April 1999 · The vigilers focus beyond one or two gatherings.
  3. 21 April 1999 · A passerby experiences "the best hour of his day."
  4. 1 May 1999 · Vigils emerge in other locations.
  5. 2 May 1999 · Marcelle Martin relates the burden, need, and privilege of participating in the vigil.
  6. 15 May 1999 · Henry Beck reflects on the potent simplicity of the vigil.
  7. 21 May 1999 · Jorge Aráuz seeks help with his doubts and concerns in prayer.
  8. 25 May 1999 · The taunt, "Get a life!," inspires reflection.
  9. 4 June 1999 · Vigilers look beyond the Balkans conflict, to peace in the world and in themselves.
  10. 11 June 1999 · Kathryn Gordon looks for leaders "who strain to hear the prayers of the world."
  11. 15 June 1999 · Attention is called to the war in North Philadelphia.
  12. 26 June 1999 · The vigilers decide to continue beyond a Kosovo resolution.
  13. 2 July 1999 · Marcelle Martin recalls the moment of her invitation to what became the vigil.
  14. 9 July 1999 · Jorge Aráuz examines whether the vigil and other public witnesses are acts of "spiritual greed."
  15. 16 July 1999 · Jorge Aráuz reflects on the depth of our sleep in the presence of violence.
  16. 31 July 1999 - A · Engaging in public witness becomes a call to honesty and humility.
  17. 31 July 1999 - B · The vigilers are joined by young adults from Serbia, Morocco, Turkey, and Barbados.
  18. 4 August 1999 · Jim presents an exercise in charity and trust.
  19. 13 August 1999 · The vigil crosses the street and gets closer to the Liberty Bell tourists; Jorge Aráuz joins with vigil from Quito, Ecuador.
  20. 20 August 1999 · New vigilers join with Marcelle in Philadelpia and Jorge in Ecuador.
  21. 28 August 1999 · Marcelle describes praying in the midst of tourists and finding God's love; Jorge vigiling between a preacher and Krishna chanters and finding awe.
  22. 2 September 1999 · John Gallery describes being baited; Jorge Aráuz writes of prayer and transformation.
  23. 14 September 1999 · Marcelle Martin copes with changes in the spiritual weather; Jorge Aráuz reports a last conversation with Patricio.
  24. 18 September 1999 · The vigil is joined by a session of Dances for Universal Peace.
  25. 24 September 1999 · Kaki Sjoggren describes passers-by, some familiar, most new.
  26. 3 October 1999 · Greg Austin describes being absorbed in an inner sense of peace; hecklers are met with respectful contact.
  27. 9 October 1999 · Vigilers celebrate a half-year of witness; Mike Bischoff describes a similar vigil in Minneapolis; Helen Pollock relates an appeal from the U'wa people in Colombia.
  28. 17 October 1999 · The vigil provides a photo opportunity for tourists, and an opening for the Spirit.
  29. 26 October 1999 · Amid storm and turmoil, Marcelle Martin recalls Jeremiah; Jorge Aráuz dwells on forgiveness.
  30. 28 October 1999 · Marcelle Martin appreciates the enduring patience of the Earth; Helene Pollock reports a widespread peace movement in Colombia.
  31. 7 November 1999 · Kaki Sjogren writes of vigiling after a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary.
  32. 17 November 1999 · Christian and Muslim passersby speak of unity in God.
  33. 20 November 1999 · Marcelle Martin and her father continue the vigil on the way home.
  34. 24 November 1999 · Steve Gulick shares an experience of grace.
  35. 1 December 1999 · Kathryn Gordon reflects on coldness.
  36. 11 December 1999 · Marcelle Martin continues the vigil while sojourning in Virginia.
  37. 26 December 1999 · Dan Homan reflects on why he participates in the vigil; Marcelle Martin wrestles with praying in public; and Caroline Wildflower describes an independent vigil during the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle.
  38. 27 December 1999 · Prayers of peace run from international to personal, Philadelphia to Virginia, 1692 to today.
  1. 2 January 2000 · John Gallery hears "Peace" when there is no peace; Marcelle Martin reflects on her last vigil session in Virginia before returning to Philadelphia.
  2. 9 January 2000 · Many passers-by, asking many questions.
  3. 14 January 2000 · Visitors from Croatia join in.
  4. 21 January 2000 · John Gallery considers the parable of casting seeds.
  5. 30 January 2000 · Marcelle Martin reflects on a somewhat paradoxical tenderness of heart.
  6. 6 February 2000 · Witnessing in the snow inspires Kathryn Gordon.
  7. not issued
  8. 15 February 2000 · Kaki Sjogren reflects on Martin Luther King's letter from Birmingham Jail.
  9. 29 February 2000 · Renata Arauz-DeStefano offers a 10-year-old's perspective.
  10. 6 March 2000 · Kathryn Gordon describes an encounter with a ripple of violence.
  11. 14 March 2000 · John Gallery ponders the invitation of the sky.
  12. 27 March 2000 · "Ret Z" muses about heterogeneity and outreach.
  13. 25 March 2000 · Viv Hawkins journals about seeking peace.
  14. 30 March 2000 · Marcelle Martin reports on a breezy day at the vigil.
  15. 7 April 2000 · John Gallery is reminded about undertaking a call joyfully, and Rich Ailes reflects on responding simply as one is able, not perfectly.
  16. 14 April 2000 · Marcelle Martin explores receiving God's peace, and Peter Blood-Patterson addresses the wider community of the vigil.
  17. 5 May 2000 · The witnesses receive peace in Arabic; an indirect report comes from the World Bank demonstrators; and Phil Anthony carries on the discussion of grace.
  18. 6 May 2000 · Dan Homan watches for the red-tailed hawk.
  19. 11 May 2000 · The vigilers are joined by a peacemaker.
  20. 14 May 2000 · Dan Homan reflects on what God requires.
  21. 26 May 2000 · Sharing signs.
  22. 5 June 2000 · Dan Homan fits in duty and recreation.
  23. 12 June 2000 · Rich Ailes reflects on speaking truth.
  24. 6 June 2000 · John Gallery risks feeling foolish.
  25. 17 June 2000 · Speculations on living in accord with God's design; dances of universal peace; and C.J. Shane reports a concern for desperate immigrants in the Sonora Desert.
  26. 24 June 2000 · John Gallery reflects on separating fear and anger from the self; Marcelle Martin considers degrees of sacrifice; Molly Forsythe draws a distinction between vigils and demonstrations; and the group plans for the Sunday of the Republican National Convention.
  27. 2 July 2000 · Jorge Aráuz considers the bias of those who are satisfied with their own prosperity.
  28. 13 July 2000 · Younger participants.
  29. 20 July 2000 · Tricia McManus selects signs for the situations; Dan Homan takes note of giving thanks in all circumstances.
  30. 24 July 2000 · Paul Sheldon adjusts to being in a vigil rather than a demonstration; Jorge Aráuz considers the grace that is shown to all.
  31. 29 July 2000 · Jorge Aráuz reflects on Jonah and Nineveh.
  32. 5 August 2000 · A silence of grief and honor for those on both sides of the barricades.
  33. 21 August 2000 · Linda Laskowski talks about making contact.
  34. 25 August 2000 · John Gallery examines prayer.
  35. 20 August 2000 · Dan Homan considers the Christianity of Quakerism.
  36. 27 August 2000 · Pat McBee reflects on the value of standing in vigil.
  37. 17 September 2000 · Kaki Sjoggren seeks a revolution of the heart, and Ellen Freudenheim thanks the Vigil for creating an oasis of peace during the Republican National Convention demonstrations.
  38. 22 September 2000 · Participants reflect on why they continue the vigil.
  39. 29 September 2000 · Marcelle Martin describes the effect of shifting the vigil formation from semicircle to straight line.
  40. 4 October 2000 · Kathryn Gordon writes about praying for the extended family.
  41. 20 October 2000 · Erica Runkles and Marcelle Martin discuss prayer and direct action in support of peace.
  42. 27 October 2000 · Kaki Sjoggren considers sacrifices.
  43. 7 November 2000 · Bob Barnett reports from the perspective of a first-timer.
  44. 28 November 2000 · John Gallery considers loving enemies.
  45. 22 November 2000 · Marchelle Martin reports on the vigil's intersection with a political demonstration.
  46. 8 December 2000 · John Gallery explores the peace of God.
  47. 31 December 2000 · Dan Homan, Kathryn Gordon, Jorge Aráuz, and Marcelle Martin report from the Vigil on Christmas Eve.
  1. 14 January 2001 · Kathryn Gordon's neighborhood accompanies her to Independence Mall.
  2. 21 January 2001 · A Mayan from Ohio tells us of other vigilers.
  3. 28 January 2001 · Marcelle Martin examines the casting of people into "hero" and "villain."
  4. 1 April 2001 · John Gallery considers to whom he is praying.
  5. 10 April 2001 · John Gallery ponders blessings.
  6. 24 April 2001 · Dan Homan relies on truth and love.
  7. 13 May 2001 · Marcelle Martin continues the discussion on prayer.
  8. 24 May 2001 · Saku Longshore, Shirley Bechill, John Gallery and Jane Keller continue the discussion on prayer.
  9. 9 June 2001 · Jorge Arauz writes from Ecuador of shadows and distractions.
  10. 16 June 2001 · John Gallery is called elsewhere when praying for Timothy McVeigh.
  11. 23 June 2001 · John Gallery recollects moments.
  12. 3 July 2001 · Marcelle Martin addresses belief in Jesus and universality.
  13. 16 July 2001 · Claus Bernet compares his concerns in anticipation of joining the vigil with the actual experience, and Friends react to report #97.
  14. 26 July 2001 · John Gallery meditates on faithfulness.
  15. 4 August 2001 · Marcelle Martin seeks peace as a gentle rain.
  16. 22 August 2001 · Kathryn Gordon writes about vigiling alone.
  17. 31 August 2001 · Marcelle Martin experiences fellowship in the vigil.
  18. 14 September 2001 · Suzanne Day notes the need for simple messages of peace.
  19. 22 September 2001 · Pat and Ramala Dietz join the vigil after two years and their own peace journey.
  20. 28 September 2001 · Marcelle Martin describes the challenges of being identified with a protester with whom we almost agree.
  21. 7 October 2001 · John Gallery, Marcelle Martin, and Sean check in.
  22. 12 October 2001 · Kathryn Gordon, Karen Cromley, and Judy Joseph write of being freed and supported.
  23. 20 October 2001 · Passersby engage in dialogue with the vigiliers. Robyn Maloney-George describes her vigil from a Philadelphia prison. Bo Bartlett suggests an answer to "What would Jesus do?"
  24. 14 November 2001 · John Gallery appreciates being grounded.
  25. 30 November 2001 · Marcelle Martin describes a moment of communion with a vigil visitor.
  26. 2 December 2001 · Jenny Wistreich becomes frustrated with numbers, then finds peace in acts.
  27. 30 December 2001 · John Gallery considers the shepherds outside Bethlehem, our own watch, and the new ones who bring peace.
  1. 15 February 2002 · Marcelle Martin recalls conversations and prayers.
  2. 23 February 2002 · Steve Gulick takes a stand.
  3. 10 March 2002 · Carolyn Schodt describes some exchanges.
  4. 29 March 2002 · Bells suggest a radiating harmony to Marcelle Martin.
  5. 2 April 2002 · Marcelle Martin is called to a less-public path.
  6. 14 July 2002 · John Gallery reflects on the written siltence.
  7. 30 October 2002 · John Gallery considers thrift-store shopping as "plain dress."
  8. Not available.
  1. 9 February 2003 · Mario Cavallini reflects on witnessing and being witnessed.
  2. 16 February 2003 · Two vigilers brave heavy snow and cold.
  3. 23 February 2003 · John Gallery considers how peace may come.
  4. 2 April 2003 · John Gallery distinguishes between protesting war and advocating peace.
  5. 23 April 2003 · John Gallery observes that peace remains relevant.
Copyright © 2001, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

 

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Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM