Rosemary Radford Ruether

Overview

Rosemary Radford Ruether born St. Paul, MN November 2, 1936. Catholic theologian; opponent of Vietnam War, US wars in Central America, Iraq; feminist.

Quotations

True nonviolence must be based, first of all, on a secure sense of one’s own value as a human being. Violence toward others, far from being an expression of self-worth, is based on a repression of one’s sense of vulnerability which then translates into hostility toward others.” (“Feminism and Peace”, 1983; photo catholicsforchoice.org)

Marie Runyon

Overview

Marie Runyon born Brevard, SC March 20, 1915. Former New York state assemblyperson. As member of Granny Peace Brigade, arrested 20 times, including an attempting to enlist in protest against Iraq War, Times Square; acquitted, 2005. Worked with housing advocacy group Harlem Restoration Project.

Quotations

"You're damned right we've made an impact. In fact, we grannies have been at the forefront of the anti-war movement before hardly anybody else was doing anything about it. We're extremely worried about what kind of world we're leaving to our grandchildren, and that has given us tremendous motivation to do all we can to stop these insane wars." (joanwile.blogspot.com, Jan. 16, 2009; photo alittleredhen.com)

Dorothy Rupert

Overview

Dorothy Rupert born Meadow Grove, NE October 20, 1926. Colorado legislator, 1986-2001; legislated against female genital mutilation. Active in WAND and WILPF, opposed Vietnam War and nuclear weapons; Nobel Peace Prize nominee, 2005.

Quotations

On her greatest challenge: "Maintaining hope in the face of global uncertainty about how human beings will figure out how to live on this earth together." (quote and photo Conscious Woman, November 3, 2008)

Loret Miller Ruppe

Overview

Loret Miller Ruppe born Laurium, MI September 29, 1936 (d. 1996). Longest serving Director of Peace Corps 1981-9. US Ambassador to Norway 1989-93; established 3 projects to help address regional challenges: Caribbean Basin Initiative 1983, Initiative for Central America, and African Food Systems Initiative 1985.

Quotations

"The Peace Corps is needed now more than ever. It is our nation's greatest peace-building machine." (Peace Corps 35th Anniversary, March 1-3, 1996; photo Peace Corps)

Nancy Ruth

Overview

Nancy Ruth (née Jackman) born Toronto, Ontario, Canada January 6,  1942. Nonviolence advocate, peace activist, feminist, internationalist, and politician. As Canadian Senator, chaired Human Rights Committee, 2005.

Quotations

I am one of these Canadians who for some years has withheld from my income tax payment the percentage of the military budget. I have put that money on deposit with the peace tax fund held by Conscience Canada. I encourage you to do so too.” (Briarpatch, May 5, 2008)

Women cannot be treated only as victims of war and beneficiaries of peace. Violence against women cannot be curtailed unless women are full and active participants in society. Women still face obstacles because of economic insecurity, and limited access to education, training and justice. They still occupy few positions of leadership in civil society, mediation teams, national militaries, and civilian police forces. These factors hinder women’s access to the decision making table and their ability to play an influential role in peace operations.” (Report of Human Rights Committee, May 5, 2010; photo branksome.on.ca)

Agnes Ryan

Overview

Agnes Ryan Stevens born Stuart, IA November 10, 1878 (d. 1954). Feminist; editor; vegetarian; pacifist; WILPF speaker; proposed school of nonviolence, 1940.

Quotations

"Wars will never cease while men still kill other animals for food, for to turn any living creature into a roast, a steak, a chop, or any other type of 'meat' takes the same kind of violence, the same kind of bloodshed, and the same kind of mental processes required to change a living man into a dead soldier." (For the Church Door, March 1943; photo c. 1920 U. New Hamp.)