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A
letter from the House of Bishops
to members of Congress
October
1, 2002
As
you begin this critical debate on behalf of the citizens of this
country over the resolution to authorize military action against
Iraq, we, the bishops of The Episcopal Church, USA, meeting in
Cleveland, Ohio, want you to know of our prayers and support as
you make this difficult decision, not just for our country, but
also for the people of Iraq and the peace of the world. We pray,
as well, for members of the armed services and their families
in the midst of international crisis and possible military action.
We
deeply respect the seriousness of your responsibility to protect
the lives of our citizens, and, with you, we condemn the brutality
of Saddam Hussein and his regime.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we abhor violence and war. Our faith
requires us to strive always for justice and peace. We believe
that restraint and the ongoing commitment to international cooperation
are the means toward peace that we all desire.
With you, we recognize the possibility that war is sometimes unavoidable,
but we do not believe that war with Iraq can be justified at this
time.
- Iraq
has not attacked the United States.
- Our
nation has not exhausted all possibilities for a peaceful solution
to this potential conflict, including a new vigorous arms inspection
regime.
- Our
nation has not sufficiently garnered world support.
- It
is highly likely that the consequences of a war with Iraq will
not be contained within its borders.
- We
believe a pre-emptive strike against Iraq, with the overwhelming
force such a strike may require to attain an expedient victory,
may have many unintended consequences, including unacceptable
civilian casualties.
Further,
in this instance, we do not support a decision to go to war without
clear and convincing evidence of the need for us to defend ourselves
against an imminent attack. The wisdom of our own Christian faith,
as well as other religious traditions, teaches us to demonstrate
the greatest prudence and caution when the lethal force of war
is contemplated. We believe that writings on Just War are particularly
helpful to our nation's ongoing deliberations. As we search for
those responsible for the attacks of
September
11, we must encourage such discernment that keeps our society
civilized and free.
We
stand with other Christian leaders who oppose a pre-emptive strike
against Iraq. The leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America, the Presbyterian Church of the USA, the Orthodox Church
in America, The Christian Church (The Disciples of Christ), The
United Church of Christ, The African Methodist Episcopal Church,
The Anglican Consultative Council, representing 70 million Anglicans
around the world, and the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, have all raised questions about the wisdom and morality
of our country's pursuing this course of action.
Over the next weeks, as you debate our possible involvement in
a war against Iraq, know that we are praying with you and for
you.
The House of Bishops, The Episcopal Church
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