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Church renews call to avoid war (29/01/2003)
The Mission Council of the United Reformed Church has again expressed its concern over preparations for war with Iraq. At its meeting in January the Mission Council - which speaks for the Church in between General Assemblies - passed the following motion, which has been communicated to the Prime Minister and American Ambassador: Resolutions on Iraq and the International Situation
* Expresses its concern that the scale of this military build-up creates a momentum that increases the probability of war * Supports the view that the UN Weapons Inspectors should be allowed to complete their work * Believes that in the ‘post 9.11’ world, United States and United Kingdom-led military action against Iraq will further destabilise the international situation * Urges, therefore, that more be done to effect a peaceful outcome that affirms western respect for the Arab world and a desire to foster just and peaceful relations between all God’s peoples * Recognises the considerable stress and worry for the families and friends of military personnel already sent to the region and for those with relatives and friends living in the region * Urges its congregations to seek ways of ministering to those facing such anxiety * Calls upon members of the United Reformed Church to reach out to people of the other Abrahamic (Christian, Jewish, Muslim) faiths and covenant with them to work and pray for peace in Iraq and throughout the Middle East, and for good community relations in the UK, recognising that the journey to such commitment will be costly and painful as difficult and divisive issues are faced and wrestled with before our God who calls us all to live with justice and mercy * Encourages all those who are praying and witnessing for peace, giving thanks for their ministry. |
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