JOHN BUEHRENS IN IRAQ

The trip lasted from December 27, 2002 to January 3, 2003. On January 30th, John Buehrens spoke in Friendship Hall about his experiences in Iraq to an overflow crowd of church members and members of other churches in the New York Metro District. While the group was in Iraq, they visited various religious leaders and institutions, both Muslim and Christian. John is now serving the UUSC as a consultant for post-war humanitarian efforts in the now war-torn country.

At All Souls, Rev. Buehrens spoke about his impressions about the people of Iraq as he and other group members tried to understand the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi population. At the time, visits to Iraq were generally limited to church and religious groups such as the one he had joined.

The trip generated a great deal of publicity, including photos by Robin Hoecker, an Intern and Legislative Assistant with the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy. Women delegates on the tour had a particularly difficult time coping with religious restrictions imposed by Islam, such as having to wear burka-like coverings when visiting mosques. Robin spoke to the All Souls Women's Alliance about her experiences at a luncheon on May 1.

John Buehrens speaking at All Souls about his experiences on a recent trip to Iraq.