I want to dedicate this issue of PeaceSigns to the memories of Marla Ruzicka, 28, humanitarian aid worker and founder of the Campaign for Innocent Victims of Conflict (CIVIC), which she started following the onset of the war in Afghanistan in 2002, continuing its work in Iraq, and her aide and driver, Faiz Ali Salim, 43. Both were killed by a car bomb in Baghdad on April 16. I do not know if Ruzicka was a Christian and I expect that Salim was Muslim. But they both exhibited a selfless devotion to serving the innocent and powerless who became victims of war in the Middle East, despite the real danger to their own lives that sadly proved to be fatal. They are an example for faithful Christians, Muslims and others. (For a tribute by Simon Robinson of Time, see <http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1050862,00.html>.)
-Melanie Zuercher, editor

Spouting the buzz phrase "a culture of life" to promote a narrow range of ethical issues or political and ideological agenda turns it into empty rhetoric.

What is the value of one human life?

by Matt Friesen

Instead of "people in pews," this month it's one person in the pulpit, talking about how spending a weekend in Washington, D.C., changed him.

We Christians are "religious" practitioners of "Birds of a feather flock together"-just look at our churches

As Christians, we have a mandate to bring reconciliation to all aspects of life. Here are some directives, with backing from Scripture.

Whether you've caught home makeover fever or just have a spring itch to slap on some fresh paint, there are some interesting choices that are good for your family and the environment.

Some prayers for people trying to walk the Emmaus Road of peace- and justice-making in a culture that seems to be in total opposition.

Thanks for timely words on building relationships, and visual proof that the peace message of Jimi Hendrix keeps spreading.