Sisters and Brothers:

My name is Eda R. Uca.  I am a member of Jonah House, an intentional, nonviolent,
faith-based community in Baltimore.

On March 16, 2007 I went as a sister of Christ (and all) to worship at the national cathedral, march to the White House, and pray there in mourning and repentance of the war in Iraq. 
I was accompanied by more than 3,000 kin.

I prayed that night for peace in hope that my Muslim cousins in Turkey might hear of a nonviolent Christianity that does not threaten to dominate or eradicate their families.  I marched for those who could not feel the chill of the night because they were killed in the war.  I stood because my friends felt lead by the Spirit to encircle the White House with lights and I had promised to help them.

I do not deny that I stayed in prayer in front of the White House when I was asked to leave.  I do not deny that I was arrested.  The event of the arrest was not pertinent to the message I went to deliver to the White House that day and today, still,
it is a distraction from that message. 

I strive to bear a love that excludes no person and a community that knows no enemies.  I may fail in my attempts to live this message but it is God's everlasting truth.  With all due respect to all of the sisters and brothers in this court, I will not be diverted by the false authority of the U.S. Park Police or of this court.  I will not plead here for my innocence.  God is my judge.

I close with a quote from the 33rd psalm:

The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purpose of God's heart throughout all generations.

May God bless you and may true peace and joy abide in your house.