Mennonite congregation to place ad in local newspaper

Madison Wisconsin -- Madison Mennonite Church is leading an effort in Madison, WI, to place a full page ad in the local newspaper opposing a war in Iraq. Since so much of the discussion about a possible invasion has been carried out in the media, the congregation hopes that a newspaper ad will be an effective voice against war. The ad was designed by church members, drawing on their own ideas and text from the Mennonite Church USA, Peace and Justice Support Network website. The cost of a full page ad in the Sunday edition of the Wisconsin State Journal is about $4500. As this was too much for the congregation pay on its own, the church turned to other organizations and churches in the Madison area. The response has been very favorable, with other groups pledging $4000 towards the ad. Many members of the congregation have been involved in soliciting support from other organizations, and many times individuals in these other organizations have taken it upon themselves to find additional sponsors. Sponsors include local churches (three United Church of Christ congregations, one Lutheran church, and the Madison Friends Meeting), three local Catholic organizations, a local peace coalition, and more than 25 individuals. Madison Mennonite is optimistic that the ad will have greater impact because of the number and diversity of sponsoring groups. The ad is scheduled to appear in the Sunday September 15 edition of the Wisconsin State Journal.