Congregational and Denominational Positions on the War in Iraq - 2003

Statement by the Community of Kirkland Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Final Draft March 23, 2003

In the face of this world crisis, in February 2003, we, the congregation of the Kirkland Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, state that we oppose the impending war with Iraq. We know that war is sometimes necessary in self-defense, but we state that war is an admission of defeat and must be a last resort. If we must go to war we need the support and sanction of the United Nations.

 We acknowledge strong differences of opinion within our congregation. Most of us agree with this statement, a few of us do not, and a few of us want to dissociate from it entirely. We take strength from this freedom within our democracy and within our congregation, to speak our minds, to find common ground, to disagree. Our diversity of thought nurtures our spiritual health. We allow no war and no differences of opinion to come between us as we pray together.

 We want to make clear that we support and honor the people who serve in the armed services, even though we oppose the war they are preparing for. We thank and honor the veterans who served and died to preserve our democracy and our constitutional freedoms. We light a candle for 2nd LT Matthew K. Boris, USMC, and for LT CMDR Blake Michaelson, USN, every Sunday until they come home. We pray for their safe return, and for all our loved ones in the armed services.

 

March 2003:  U.S. Church Leaders Issue Statement on Iraq War

(WASHINGTON, March 20, 2003)
On behalf of Churches for Middle East Peace, the following statement was issued by Fr. Stan DeBoe, chair, and Corinne Whitlatch, director. The full text follows:

Churches for Middle East Peace deeply regrets the decision by the United States and other nations to begin military action against Iraq. We are concerned about the injury and loss of life of U.S. personnel who have been deployed to the region and of the Iraqi people who once again suffer the devastating effects of war.

In the midst of these horrific events, our prayers are with our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. Mindful of God's will for peace and justice on earth, we pledge our efforts to work actively for peace and to urge the U.S. government to:

We pray that the leaders of our nation and the nations of the world will have compassion and wisdom. We join the members of our churches in praying for the safety of United States servicemen and women and for the safety of the people of Iraq. We call upon members of our churches to act in a manner consistent with their faith and conscience to foster peace in the Middle East.

As a people of faith, we believe that God calls us to paths of peace rooted in mercy and justice. In the midst of conflict, violence, and death, we will not stray from that path. Instead, we recommit ourselves to God's vision of peace and will strive to build a world of greater understanding, compassion and care, until we can live without the threat of war and all people can live in peace. Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Mission Service, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church.

For further information, see www.cmep.org.

 

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