PAST PROJECTS
“Back from the Brink” Resolution
The Interfaith Peace Working Group (IPWG) has joined Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin (PSR WI)and other community and faith groups in co-sponsoring the annual Lanterns for Peace event since 2018. In 2023, it joined PSR WI and Veterans for Peace – Sheboygan to welcome the Golden Rule sailboat.
IPWG members have urged City Council members to support a “Back from the Brink” Resolution calling on the U.S. government to join the UN Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and take immediate steps to decrease the risk of nuclear war. On October 3, 2023, members of IPWG spoke before the City Council in support of the Resolution which passed by unanimous vote.
Oppose the Bed-Down of F-35 Jets in Madison
From 2020 through 2023, IPWG has worked with Safe Skies Clean Water and other community groups to oppose the bed-down of nuclear-capable F-35 fighter jets at Truax Air Force Base. IPWG took out a full-page ad in the Wisconsin State Journal in July of 2020 to protest the F-35 fighter jets. The ad cited the F-35’s role in the nuclear weapon delivery triad, the cost of the jets and their adverse impact on the environment and health of Eastside Madison residents, especially those in low-income, minority neighborhoods near Truax. It was signed by over 35 faith leaders who called the proposed deployment “morally offensive.” Wisconsin State Journal Ad
IPWG members organized a postcard campaign from March 2021-2022 with the message “F35’S WON’T LET US THRIVE.” Approximately 6,500 postcards were distributed state-wide for voters to send their elected representatives. IPWG joined PSR WI members in July 2022 to speak to the Advocacy Committee of the Madison Public School Foundation about the adverse health effects of the F-35 on school children. In March 2023, IPWG co-sponsored the Midwest Catholic Worker Faith & Resistance Gathering, culminating in non-violent protest against the F-35s at the Governor’s office and entrance to Truax Field.
Peace in Ukraine
IPWG co-signed a petition to Presidents Zelensky, Biden and Putin, calling for a mutual ceasefire and diplomacy to end the Russia-Ukraine War. It was published as an ad in The Hill in May 2023.
In October 2023 IPWG helped to organize a candlelight vigil for Ukraine on the Capitol steps calling for a ceasefire and negotiations in Ukraine.
Peace in Gaza
IPWG members joined numerous protests and vigils calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. In February 2023, IPWG garnered support from over 300 members of Wisconsin communities of faith and conscience for its statement calling on the U.S. government to promote a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid to Gaza residents and an end to U.S. weapons shipments to Israel. The signatories included over 100 leaders of Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths statewide. The signed statement was presented to the office staff of Senators Baldwin and Johnson as well as Representative Pocan in early March 2023.
IPWG’s March 2023 newsletter included articles about the war on Gaza from members Jewish Voice for Peace, Christians for Justice in Palestine and the Milwaukee Muslim Womens’ Coalition.