Source: The Hartford Courant
On March 20, 2003 The Hartford Courant reported that "more than 25 churches in Connecticut have declared themselves "sanctuaries for peace" and will open their doors starting today for people to gather and pray... While congregations' opinions may be divided about the war, religious leaders say it's important that people have a place to go at such a crucial time... But the peace sanctuaries are not just a place for anti-war people to gather, Hughes said... 'Families may be coming from different perspectives -- some may be very against the war, while others have sons and daughters who are deployed and support the war because of them. This is a painful thing for our country to have to go through,' she said... Pastors said the intent is to bring people together, not to alienate those who may have different views."