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Iraq: resort to force is morally wrong
On behalf of the United Reformed Church we deeply regret the decision by Her Majesty’s Government to join the United States in a war against Iraq.
The United Reformed Church has consistently maintained that war against Iraq could only be accepted as a matter of last resort and that it would need the sanction of the United Nations. In this view we have been joined by most of our ecumenical partners in the United Kingdom and throughout the world. The weapons inspectors have not been allowed to complete their work nor has the United Nations agreed to the use of military force. The present resort to force is morally wrong.
The regime of Saddam Hussein is not one we support, and we believe that its holding of weapons of mass destruction represents a threat to the countries in the region and possibly further a field. However, war will only add to the misery of the Iraqi people, who already suffer greatly. We hope and pray that it will be short-lived.
We urge Her Majesty's Government to work now with the United Nations, the European Union, non-governmental organisations and other relief agencies to prepare for humanitarian aid to be made available to the people of Iraq at the earliest possible opportunity.
At this time we are concerned for all people who will be affected by this war – the people of the region, the military personnel sent to fight there, and all their families and friends around the world – and pray that they will find comfort in the support of friends, family and colleagues and the faith which gives meaning to their lives.
We call upon our members to reach out to those distressed by these events and to offer them whatever support they can.
We join our voices with all people of goodwill urging restraint in response to this war. In particular we resist the view that this war should be seen as a conflict between the Christian West and the Muslim world, and urge all Christians and Muslims to recognise the common grounding of their faith in the God of Abraham who calls us all together to seek the peace of nations.
Looking ahead to the future, we welcome the news that the United States has agreed to the publication of the ‘road map’ drawn up by the United Nations, European Union, Russia and the USA in order to reactivate the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. We urge Her Majesty’s Government to be energetic and resourceful in following through on this key development so as to achieve a just and lasting peace that will give security to both peoples and greater stability to the region.
Revd John Waller Moderator, United Reformed Church General Assembly
Revd Dr David Cornick General Secretary, United Reformed Church
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