Call to the churches to continue to resist war with Iraq

"Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste
and house will fall against house. Luke 11: 16

As it became apparent that the U.S. government was on an
unswerving course toward war with Iraq, leading Christian
theologians and ethicists convened by George Hunsinger of
Princeton Theological Seminary made the following appeal to
the churches to respond with prophetic opposition, excerpted
below. Find the full text and add your endorsement at:
http://www.sojo.net/action

We are Christians, clergy and laity, from Roman Catholic,
Protestant, Orthodox, and Historic Peace Church communities.
After careful consideration and prayer, as citizens who love
our country, we have come to painful conclusions.

We believe that U.S. war against Iraq is unjust and immoral.
As a "pre-emptive" attack unprecedented in our history, it
dishonors our nation, disregards morality, and violates
international law. Citizens of good will are thrown into a
crisis of conscience by our government's initiation of this
war.

THEREFORE, in so grave a situation, we issue the following
appeal:

- We appeal to all Christians: Put your faith in Jesus Christ
above your loyalty to the nation, because today faith demands
a higher loyalty, and patriotism means dissent.

- We call upon all churches and all individual Christians to
refuse their consent to this war. We call them to nonviolent
resistance, rejecting actions that violate moral law.

- We urge all U.S. military personnel, especially those who
are Christians, to conscientious objection - to refuse to
participate in this immoral war.

- We commit ourselves to a renewed discipline of prayer,
fasting, and meditation on God's Word. A dedicated
spirituality will be needed by all who are led to faithful
obedience.

- We welcome support from all peoples of faith and conscience
who wish to uphold us in making this appeal to the churches.

- Finally, we pledge allegiance to our country and to every
noble ideal for which it stands. Upholding it where it is
right, we must oppose it with deep regret, for its own sake
and the sake of the world, where it goes so grievously wrong.

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Read the full text and add your endorsement to this appeal
at:
http://www.sojo.net/action