By Beckie Supiano, DisciplesWorld contributing writer

WASHINGTON (2/14/08) — This March, Christians from across the denominational spectrum will gather in the Washington, D.C. area for the sixth annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days. This year’s conference, held March 7-10 will examine the theme of security based in justice as it applies to domestic and international U.S. policies.

The conference theme “Claiming a Vision of True Security” is linked to Psalm 20:7: “Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God,” which organizers tie into the idea that security and peace cannot be created by means of violence.

The event’s main speaker will be Lisa Schirch, a professor of peace building at Eastern Mennonite University whose work focuses on community building as a path to peace. Schirch is also the director of the 3D Security Initiative, which promotes peace building as a component of national security strategy.

As people of faith, says Schirch, “we talk about the ethical issues of war but not alternatives. At Ecumenical Advocacy Days, we will talk about alternatives: God’s way isn’t just moral, it’s effective.”

Schirch will discuss practical ways in which development and justice work can prevent violence and lead to international security.

In addition to group worship and speakers, the conference will include themed tracks on topics based on a region of the world or a justice issue.

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, who represents the Diocese of the Armenian Church of American (Eastern) in Washington, D.C. and is the president of the National Council of Churches, will address the group on Sunday. “The advocacy is a challenge for the churches to struggle against injustices taking place in our country and around the world,” Aykazian says.

Listing conflicts around the world, Aykazian says “It’s a shame for humanity that people are being massacred in the twenty-first century.”

While an international focus is important, “We’ve got to start by cleaning our garden here in the U.S. by struggling against poverty and injustices taking place,” he says.

The archbishop’s national focus will be carried on into Monday, when those participants who chose to will go to the Hill and lobby congress.

In this election year, presidential candidates have also been invited to a town hall-style meeting on Sunday, but it is not yet known if they will be participating.

Conference organizers hope for 1,000 participants, and are focused on bringing in young adults (ages 18-35). Special activities are planned for this group.

Registration information is available at: http://www.advocacydays.org/registration/ The conference costs $175, $160 if you register by February 15. There is also a special student rate.