An interfaith vigil for peace, attended by five hundred people, was held in front of St. James Episcopal Cathedral, at Wabash and Huron. At the same time, over a thousand people attended an interfaith prayer service nearby. Organized by United for Peace and various anti-war coalitions in Chicago (see links below), the services included Native American, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Christian prayers. Petitions were circulated for signatures calling for a city of Chicago resolution against War in Iraq.

After the vigil and service, an estimated two thousand people, many carrying lit candles, chanting, "Peace, Salaam, Shalom," marched among the crowds and holiday lighted trees of Michigan Avenue. Protest signs, many representing religious faiths, professed peace themes and some addressed economic issues: jobs, schools, no blood for oil. On Tribune Plaza after the march, a rally was held with rousing peace affirmations and singing.

Read: report | poem | a count
Photos:
- United for Peace: 1 | 2
- Down by the Riverside: 1 | 2 | 3

Recent local peace news:
- Dec. 1, Chicago religious leaders release joint anti-war statement.
- Dec. 6-8 & 10, peace actions throughout Chicago metropolitan area.

Local anti-war websites:
Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism | 8th Day Center for Justice | Chicago Anti-Bashing Network | Evanston Neighbors for Peace | Illinois Peace Action | Chicago Peace Response Coalition | Prairie Fire Organizing Committee | DuPage Peace Through Justice Coalition | Columbia College - On the Ground | Chicagoans Against War on Iraq