On May 3, a federal jury in Denver convicted Fr. Carl Kabat, OMI, of trespass last August 6 at nuclear missile silo N-7. Dressed as a clown to acknowledge his vocation as a "fool for God and humanity," Kabat climbed the fence to protest the violation of God's law and international humanitarian law that stood ready for launch beneath the silo lid. On that lid he placed bread, wine, and a toy hammer - symbols of communion and disarmament.

The four day trial in Denver concluded with brief jury deliberations, as federal district judge Boyd Boland refused to allow their consideration of the international law, duress, and choice of evils arguments offered in defense by Kabat's pro-bono counsel, Walter Gerash.

As lawyers and the judge discussed a possible sentencing date, Fr. Kabat demanded to be taken into custody at once, rather than wait for sentencing. He was obliged, and is now at a federal detention center awaiting sentencing on July 12.

After the trial was over, a juror contacted one of Kabat's supporters in hopes of having a message passed on to the imprisoned priest. She said to let him know that the jury felt very constrained by the narrow instructions they received, and were trying to find a way out for him. She wanted to tell him how much he touched them, and that they all went home every night thinking about him and his message of peace.

For more information, contact Citizens for Peace in Space, POB 915, Colorado Springs, CO 80901.

Letters of support should be sent to Carl Kabat, OMI, c/o Citizens for Peace in Space at their address, above, for forwarding to Carl after sentencing and possible transfer.