We could hardly do a better job of pulling together information and reflections on the life and death of Tom Fox of Christian Peacemaker Teams than Sojourners magazine has done in this email.

Gerald Schlabach
Bridgefolk Executive Director
info@bridgefolk.net
www.bridgefolk.net

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The staff of Sojourners extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Christian Peacemaker Teams member Tom Fox, who was found dead near Baghdad on Thursday. His three teammates, seen in a video broadcast last week, are believed to be alive but remain captive.

As we mourn Tom’s death, we focus on his solidarity with the unnamed tens of thousands of Iraqi dead, disappeared, detained, and tortured. Christ is present in their suffering (Matthew 25). Yet, we also recognize that Tom’s suffering is special because it was in voluntary obedience to Christ’s call to suffer as he did to prove his love for both neighbors and enemies: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it” (Mark 8:34-35).

As evidenced by the outpouring of support and sympathy from across religious and national boundaries, Tom’s life and death are a testimony to the truth of Jesus’ gospel – and a challenge to all who claim to follow it.

– The Editors of Sojourners magazine