Public Declaration Against War in Iraq: An invitation from The Moderator

Winter, 2003

Every day, war against Iraq grows more likely. However, just as widespread opposition to unilateral American aggression was a major factor in preventing an outbreak of war last fall, we believe that broadening our public witness could prevent war in the upcoming months. As Christians we know that violence is wrong. The international community will not foster stability, nor will people in states such as Iraq enjoy safety and well

being, as long as we hold to the view that war is a means to peace. Canadian church leaders communicated this view in a joint statement to Prime Minister Chrétien in September.

In the letter of the Canadian churches it was noted that a comprehensive security must address issues of development, the environment, disarmament, and human rights if we really want to pursue peace. Military solutions brought about by outsiders often suppress conflicts only for a time and, in some cases, provide the opportunity for each side to regroup for a deadlier battle. Adding war with Iraq to the numerous armed conflicts already raging around the world at the beginning of 2003 will not further the security of humanity and our earth. 

Today, we still derive our understanding of security from a vision of peace informed by the biblical idea of shalom - the ancient recognition that peace is not simply the absence of war, but a sustainable state of well-being and of harmony among people and with creation. Christ's life and teachings state that evil in human society be overcome with good and that justice and peace be built by means of love and non-violent action. As with the case with Iraq this is a time for intense diplomacy and face-to-face negotiations, not for

missiles and high-altitude bombing.

What you can do:

I invite your congregation, or interested individuals, as a public witness to consider endorsing the declaration that follows this letter: Prepare for Peace in Iraq. This statement builds on the ecumenical initiative undertaken by the Canadian churches in September and is being circulated across the country by the Canadian Council of Churches Commission on Justice and Peace, KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, and Project Ploughshares.

To Endorse this declaration electronically:

        *       Go to www.ploughshares.ca *

        *       Click on Iraq

        *       Follow the instructions to read the declaration and e-mail your endorsement

To Endorse this declaration by mail or fax:

        *       Go to www.ploughshares.ca *

        *       Print the statement "Prepare for Peace in Iraq"

        *       Gather signatures and send your endorsement by Fax or mail:

• Project Ploughshares FAX: 519-888-0018.
• Postal address: 57 Erb Street West. Waterloo, ON N2L 6C2

Where does this go?

Resolutions will be collected by Project Ploughshares, the peace research organization of the Canadian churches, and presented to the federal government in the near future not only to protest the possible use of force against Iraq, but against the naïve notion that starting a war will end in lasting peace. You are urged to share your statement with other faith communities, civic organizations and the local media.

For those who would like background information, the KAIROS website has posted an electronic kit on Iraq at: www.kairoscanada.org/english/programme/iraq

Thank you for your attention to this serious concern in our world. Your signature, together with thousands of others, can make a difference.

In the Peace of Christ,

Marion Pardy (The Right Rev. Dr.)

Moderator, The United Church of Canada

For your own reflection, please go to INTERACTIVE and write your opinion. 

Please send your opinion or reflection to web editor

to share with others. Your small voice may change the church and the world.