As the United States completes its build-up of military personnel around Iraq, our concern for the people of Iraq has become alarm about their future and that of their neighbors.  Statements from Washington indicate that war is inevitable.  Statements from people and cities throughout the U.S. have been unequivocal and consistent: “No War Against Iraq.”

            Voices from many U.S. churches—including the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)—and churches around the world, have raised important questions about U.S. motivations and the possible outcomes of war.  Some of our people and churches do not accept the concept of Just War; others believe that the criteria for a Just War have not been met.  We have serious questions about what the U.S.’s broad goal for the region through war might be—is it really security or human rights? Or is it control of oil, water or strategic advantage?  We have warned that innocent Iraqis would suffer; that other people of the Middle East—notably Palestinians—would feel detrimental and even disastrous effects; and that the U.S.’ relations with other countries—including and perhaps especially European countries—would be damaged. Churches have called for allowing the inspections to continue and to refrain from a belligerent approach.

            God spoke to Jonah and said, “Should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?”  Jonah was concerned about a tree that served his own interest, but that he neither planted nor nurtured; God, about all the things that God created—first and foremost the many people of Nineveh, but also all other creatures.  We are assured through Jesus Christ that God still loves God’s creation.

            Members of our churches have spoken; our own Global Ministries, a partnership of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in response to appeals from the churches of the Middle East, have spoken. And God continues to speak to us a word of peace. Our churches believe that the Church is called to participate in God’s message of reconciliation with all of creation.  This calling is distinct from the pull of the world, but not removed from it.  We are taught by Jesus, the Christ, that peace, harmony, and justice are God’s vision for humanity.

            War against Iraq will not bring peace, harmony, or justice.  Twelve years of sanctions against Iraq in the aftermath of 1991 war have brought only famine, disease, social and economic disaster, a paralyzing isolation and strong feelings of anger.  Israel and Palestine remain embroiled in an unending conflict.  We should have learned the limits of war.  God indeed cares about the people of all of these nations—including ours.  And God calls us to care about the people of all of these nations.

The conflict with Iraq can be resolved peacefully.  We are for  peace.

Dr. Dale L. Bishop  

Executive Minister, Wider Church Ministries

United Church of Christ

The Rev. Dr. David Vargas

Co-Executive, Common Global  Ministries Board