Friends mark CO Day
‘Protecting those who stand against violence is a moral and legal obligation that reflects the core values of democracy and peace.’
Quakers up and down the country attended ceremonies to mark this year’s International Conscientious Objectors (CO) Day.
Carlisle Friends held a vigil at the town’s memorial stone on 15 May, followed by a shared lunch at their Meeting house. Elsewhere, Liverpool Friends supported Pax Christi in hosting a ceremony of readings and music to celebrate the day. Diana Jeater, from Liverpool Meeting, who has been on the planning group for the event, told the Friend that ‘we will, of course, be giving attention to Ukraine and Israel. A young Friend from Liverpool Meeting designed the graphic for the event, which has been circulating on social media’.
Peace campaigners also backed a call from a Russian CO urging the UK and other European countries to grant asylum to those who refuse to fight in the war against Ukraine. Speaking out despite personal risk, the Russian CO said: ‘Protecting those who stand against violence is a moral and legal obligation that reflects the core values of democracy and peace.’
The CO escaped Russia while on leave from mandatory military service, and now lives in Georgia – ‘one of the few places where Russian nationals can seek refuge from state repression’, according to the Peace Pledge Union.
Friends also took part in an annual event at London’s Tavistock Square in front of the Conscientious Objectors’ Commemorative Stone. The attendees stood in solidarity with COs around the world, in Russia, Ukraine, Israel and many other countries, who are persecuted for their beliefs, imprisoned or forced to flee.
