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Friends United Meeting |
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Minute Concerning the Iraqi Crisis
February 14, 1998
Cover letter to all Friends Meetings and Churches in Friends United Meeting.
We, the General Board of Friends United Meeting, have observed with deep concern the rising tension between Iraq and the countries which led the 1991 coalition against Iraq, notably the United States and Britain. We sense that, on both sides of this tense relationship, leaders have not behaved in a way which would be pleasing to our Creator who says, "You shall not kill," and our Savior who says, "Love your enemies."
There are many moderate voices today who call for further diplomatic efforts before force is employed. We do not feel that additional diplomacy that relies on the ultimate use of force is a genuine alternative.
We call upon the leaders of Iraq, the United States, and all nations involved in this conflict to cease their threats and their preparations for combat, and commit themselves to a process of looking for an effective and just resolution. If this proves impossible, we ask them to submit their grievances to binding arbitration in a trustworthy forum, such as the Secretary General of the United Nations might arrange. We ask that no nation engage in inflammmatory rhetoric or military action which would pre-empt such a step.
Our faith as Friends teaches that "all war is utterly incompatible with the plain precepts of our divine Lord and Lawgiver." However, even secular and pragmatic calculations would reveal that violent methods only sow the seeds of future conflict. We call upon all leaders and nations to be as determined and eloquent in finding a peaceful solution as they have been up to this point in threatening each other.
Approved by the General Board of Friends United Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), February 14, 1998
See list of member Yearly Meetings.
TO ALL MEMBER MEETINGS AND CHURCHES
OF FRIENDS UNITED MEETING
Dear Friends:
The General Board of Friends United Meeting has today adopted the enclosed minute regarding the current tense situation between the USA and its allies, on the one hand, and Iraq on the other. We have sent copies to the governments involved and the news media.
As an association whose primary purpose is equipping Friends for outreach and evangelism, we do not put much time and energy into political pronouncements, resolutions, etc. In this present case, we feel the leading of God to address the nations concerning the unrighteousness of their current and contemplated behavior and challenging them to take a radical step for peace. This leading is confirmed by the Bible as we Friends understand it; our foundational teachings, such as the Richmond Declaration of Faith, from which the minute quotes briefly; and prayer in our sessions here. We ask you, dear Friends, to pray as well:
- for divine wisdom for the leaders of the nations involved, and for willingness and courage to yield to that wisdom;
- for our public and private responses as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in the face of threats and violence;
- for the people of Iraq, the USA and other countries, including the military personnel, who may face danger or death as the situation unfolds;
- for Friends leaders, pastors, clerks, Sunday School and First-day School teachers, parents and all others who may be required to counsel our young people in response to the situation.
We suggest spending time, on the Sunday following the receipt of this letter, for special, focused prayer attention to this concern.
We take this opportunity to remind your people of military service age in your country: If they feel a conscientious objection to military service, they are advised to put their convictions in writing and submit them to the meeting. Please stand by them with good counseling; if counseling resources are not available locally, please refer them to the Yearly Meeting or to Friends United Meeting.
In Christian friendship,
C. Wayne Carter
Presiding Clerk