Arthur Gish facts for kids
Arthur G. Gish (born August 15, 1939 – died July 28, 2010) was an American peace activist, a person who works to stop wars and promote peace. He was also a preacher, writer, and speaker. Art Gish was well-known for speaking out against many conflicts, like the Vietnam War and the Iraq War.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Activism
Art Gish was born in 1939 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. When he was a teenager, he decided not to join the military because of his beliefs. This is called being a conscientious objector.
He joined the Brethren Volunteer Service, which is part of the Church of the Brethren. He worked in Europe from 1958 to 1960. In the 1960s, Art Gish protested against the Vietnam War. He also supported the Civil Rights Movement, which worked for equal rights for all people.
Standing Up for Peace
Art Gish believed that Christians should stand up for what is right, even if it means disagreeing with the world. He felt that early religious groups like the Brethren were "radicals" because they challenged common ideas.
From 1995 onwards, much of Art Gish's work focused on the Middle East. He worked with the Church of the Brethren's Christian Peacemaker Team program. He spent a lot of time in places like Hebron and At-tuwani in the West Bank.
In 2003, a famous photo showed Art Gish standing bravely in front of an Israeli tank in Hebron. He and his wife, Peggy Gish, also spoke out against the 2003 Iraq War. They were often part of peace protests in Athens, Ohio, working with many people in their community. Art Gish also opposed capital punishment (the death penalty). He would attend vigils whenever someone was going to be executed.
Personal Life
Art Gish and his wife, Peggy, lived on an organic farm in Amesville, Ohio, near Athens. They grew and sold organic food and other products.
Sadly, Art Gish died on his farm on July 28, 2010. He was 70 years old. His tractor overturned and caught fire. At the time, his wife Peggy Gish was in Iraq.
Books by Art Gish
Art Gish wrote many books, including:
- The New Left and Christian Radicalism (1970)
- Beyond the Rat Race (1973)
- Living in Christian Community (1979)
- Wealth and Poverty: Four Christian Views of Economics (contributor) (1984)
- Hebron Journal: Stories of Nonviolent Peacemaking (2001)
- At-Tuwani Journal: Hope and Nonviolent Action in a Palestinian Village (2008)
- Muslim, Christian, Jew: The Oneness of God and the Unity of Our Faith (2012, published after his death)
See also
- List of peace activists
