Sunday was a day of demonstrations across the East Valley and Scottsdale, honoring Martin Luther King Jr., protesting a potential war with Iraq and an anti-abortion rally timed for this week?s 30 th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Protesters at Grace Community Church in Tempe started the day at about 730 a.m. by calling on religious leaders to take a more active stance for peace.

Valley churches have made it clear they are neutral when it comes to Iraq, and that?s just as good as banging the war drum for a new Persian Gulf conflict, said Charles Carlson, director of the Scottsdale-based group We Hold These Truths.

“We come here because they need us,” Carlson said. “The churches are backing the war.”

Many of the protesters said they believe the American public is being lied to, and that the real motive for war is the oil reserves underneath Iraq.

Inside the chapel, executive pastor Gary Maitha addressed a large congregation, saying the church does not have an opinion on war plans for Iraq.

“We do not either endorse or oppose this organization. We don?t have an opinion,” Maitha said. “Our calling is not that we convince a number of people what to think on this.”

Frisbee throwers, dog walkers and folks in lawn chairs converged upon Scottsdale Civic Center Mall that afternoon for Peace and Community Day celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

After performing the John Lennon song “Imagine,” singer Sat Kartar Khalsa tried to involve the crowd by saying, “Maybe we need a little more ?60s here. A little ?Let?s make love, not war? here.”

Mark Meckstroth, 42, of Mesa was joined by his wife, Tracey, and son Wesley on a blanket.

“We are here for the weather, and we like to come out to the concerts,” Meckstroth said. “When I saw it was Peace Day, I was a little worried there would be an antiwar demonstration. I?m happy that there is none of that.”

The Arizona Right to Life organization held an antiabortion rally at the Mesa Amphitheatre. The event was timed for Wednesday?s 30 th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court?s Roe v. Wade decision, which protects a woman?s right to choose, said organizer Risha Zertuche, 23.

Hundreds of Valley residents gathered on the lawn to hear Christian-themed music and visit booths set up by antiabortion groups.

A few people stood outside the amphitheater holding signs with slogans supporting abortion rights.

“Becoming a mother has strengthened my stance on being pro-choice,” said Audrey Smith, 32, of Mesa. “All babies should come into this world as wanted babies.”

– Staff writer Tracy Kurtinitis contributed to this report.