Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 10, 2010, the Truth Commission on Conscience in War will release its groundbreaking report on the “moral injuries” of veterans in a Washington, D.C.press conference. Will you be in the D.C. area this week? Consider attending the press conference and its accompanying events (below).

The Truth Commission on Conscience in War is a national coalition of over 60 religious, veterans, academic, and advocacy groups. The Commission’s report calls for greater religious freedom and protection of moral conscience in the military, citing “moral injuries” suffered by veterans, and announcing next steps. Dr. Rita Brock, Chair of the Commission Planning Committee, Rev. Herman Keizer, Jr., veteran, former Army chaplain and host of the Truth Commission, as well as five veterans will speak.

The Commission report draws on testimony from veterans, theologians, ethicists, physicians, and other experts at a public hearing in New Yorklast March. Among the veteran testifiers, Logan Mehl-Laituri revealed the need for further protection of a soldier’s religious freedom: “If I could serve our country without killing, I never would have been a conscientious objector…Christ bid me drop my weapon, and I had no choice but to respond.”

On Sunday, March 21, 2010, a diverse coalition of veterans, scholars, and faith leaders will hold a public hearing for the Truth Commission on Conscience in War, bringing the public an opportunity for lament and interfaith dialogue on moral conscience in the military. Testifiers will offer their stories and expert testimonies on the issues of conscience facing U.S. service members in war and a group of commissioners will reflect on their contributions in order to promote further dialogue and advocacy.

The public hearing of the Truth Commission will open up a national interfaith dialogue on the moral decisions that each military service member faces. Held at the historic Riverside Church in New York City, the public hearing begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and is free and open to the public.