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'); The Vine and Fig Tree Planters

A Letter

 

Lieutenant Colonel D.S. McDaniel, DSM
Commanding Officer, Campbell Barracks,
West Coast Hwy., Swanbourne, 6010

Dear Sir:

Re: Vine & Fig Tree Planters

We are a small group called "The Vine & Fig Tree Planters" - an image drawn from the Old Testament prophet Micah and echoed in the Gospels. We are made up of members and associates of traditional peace churches (mostly Anabaptists and Quakers). We want to make clearer the connections between militarism and climate change.

We are aware that some military strategists already consider climate change to be a much bigger security risk than terrorism. We appreciate the commendable work which military forces undertake when their governments call on them in times of civilian crises. It is also obvious that such constructive work is generally good for morale within the defence forces of any country.

Bearing in mind the huge resources and skills of military forces, and recognising an unprecedented need for international co- operation to manage climate change, we invite governments to consider the biblical injunction to "Turn swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks" (Isiah, 2:4). We invite the militaries of the world to lay down their weapons, and to transform themselves into an Earth Defence Force. Symbolic plantings of grape vines and fig trees will take place in the vicinity of various military establishments, linking the enormous potential we see for such forces to contribute towards dealing with the huge challenges facing humanity as the consequences of global warming unfold.

So, we wish to:

  • inform you that we hope to carry out the first such planting outside Campbell Barracks on 27 January, 2008;
  • invite you and any other SASR personnel to attend or observe the planting;
  • assure you that our intentions are entirely peaceful and in keeping with our religious beliefs, based on nonviolent practices;
  • request a meeting with you prior to this event to ensure that we do not unwittingly cause concern.

    • Our plan is as follows: we will begin with a brief silent worship. Then a small group will dig holes and plant the vine and fig tree, including appropriate soil conditioners. While this is happening, there will be singing based on the bible text from Micah, referring to "everyone 'neath their vine and fig tree, shall live in peace and unafraid ……". Silent worship will be resumed for a short period before we leave.

    While we feel called to witness to our beliefs, we do not see this event as a protest, and we do not ask you to subscribe to our religious perspective. We hope that we can conduct this short event in a way which you will find acceptable, and we re-iterate our invitation for you and other base personnel to join us, or to watch our worship and celebration.

    Please feel free to contact us for clarification.

    With best wishes for a peaceful, joyful Christmas.

    Yours sincerely,

    David Nourish

    Harry Wykman

    (On behalf of the other Planters: Jo Vallentine, Brenda Roy, Casper and Erin Adson, Joshua Hobby and Jarrod McKenna)

     

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