Coventry: Christian groups protest against council investment in arms trade

Members of Pax Christi, Coventry RC Deanery Justice and Peace Group and Coventry University Dept of Peace and Reconciliation protested outside Coventry Cathedral today, 16 May, before the Annual General Meeting of the City Council.

Coventry Council is one of the seven West Midlands Councils that pays into the West Midlands Pension Fund, that has investments in several firms that are involved in the arms trade. These include: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, EADS, Thales and Halliburton.

The Justice and Peace group has started a campaign that asks Coventry City Council, as a City of Peace and Reconciliation, to take a lead within the West Midlands Consortium asking for divestment from companies involved in manufacturing weapons of war.

Coventry is home to one of the world's oldest religious-based centres for the promotion of peace and reconciliation. Following the destruction of the cathedral in 1940, Provost Howard made a commitment not to revenge but to forgiveness and reconciliation with those responsible. Over the years the Cathedral ministry has provided inspiration and support to many Christians addressing conflict in the world.

For more information see: www.coventrycathedral.org.uk