|
Listen today at 4 pm for the first Broadcast of "Uptown Radio" Courses and Broadcasts
|
Radio WorkshopPrayer Pilgrimage to Iraq (Transcript)by Collin Campbell NARRATION With heads bowed, a group of almost a dozen leaders prayed on the front steps of the Iraqi Mission to the United Nations this morning. AMBIENT NARRATION The Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace is made up of mostly black Christian and Muslim leaders on a journey halfway around the world from Manhattan. Today, the group travels to the United Nations and then the State Department, before leaving for Baghdad tomorrow. At each stop, they will pray for peace, hoping their faith can help stop the troops now positioning themselves for war in the Persian Gulf. Reverend Herbert Daughtry prepared for a moment he hopes will be a turning point toward peace. CUT: "We have no illusions, but we do believe in the almighty. We are people of faith that know that nothing is impossible." :10 After nearly an hour-long meeting inside, Daughtry and others stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Iraqi ambassador Mohammad Al-Douri. The show of faith and friendship isn't an indication they're taking sides. War, the reverend Walter Fauntroy says, should always be opposed. CUT: "Every bomb dropped ..." :10 The group arrives on Saturday, when Iraq is expected to begin destroying its Al Samoud 2 missles. U.N. chief weapons inspector Hans Blix demanded this sanction and Iraq's compliance is being viewed as a positive sign. Today, Al-Douri was sanguine that war could be avoided. CUT: " NARRATION While the anti-war movement has grown dramatically in recent months, religious leaders can often be powerful catalysts in peace protests. Ron Daniels, a former civil-rights activist and scholar, says their involvement may have a big effect. CUT: Daniels :16 NARRATION The group leaves for Bahgdad tomorrow night. SIGNOFF |