August 30, 2002
In recent days, leaders of the
United States government have talked openly about the possibility
of a pre-emptive strike against the government of Iraq and its
leader, Saddam Hussein.
As presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), I am deeply
concerned about any such action. In the 1995 ELCA social
statement, "For Peace in God's World," we said that, as
Christians, "the love of our neighbor obligates us to act to
prevent wars and seek alternatives to them." This is a time
to stop the use of hostile rhetoric and verbal threats, and to
focus again on diplomacy.
While we are fully aware of the
potential threat posed by the government of Iraq and its leader, I
believe it is wrong for the United States to seek to overthrow the
regime of Saddam Hussein with military action. Morally, I oppose
it because I know a war with Iraq will have great consequences for
the people of Iraq, who have already suffered through years of war
and economic sanctions. I do not believe such a war can be
justified under the historic principles of "just war."
Further, I believe it is detrimental to U.S. interests to take
unilateral military action against Iraq when there is already
strong international support for weapons inspections, and when it
is apparent that most other world governments oppose military
action. I also believe that U.S. military action at this time will
further destabilize the region.
The United States should continue
its cooperation with international efforts through the United
Nations to control Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. The ELCA
has consistently called for diplomatic efforts toward a cease-fire
and a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. I would encourage
the U.S. government to formulate its response to Iraq toward a
similar end.
As the attention of this nation
increasingly focuses on the anniversary of Sept. 11, we are
reminded of the devastating impact of war. So, we continue to
reject violent action and are renewed in our resolve to find
peaceful, nonviolent solutions. I call upon members of our
congregations to be fervent in prayer, engaged in conversation
with one another and with our leaders. The ELCA encourages the
participation by all people of faith in the affairs of government.
Our church has developed and is expanding a practice of engaging
in moral deliberation on difficult social issues. Now is a time
for such deliberation. During these discussions it is important
for all of us to listen to and respect the views of everyone. We
must oppose racist and enemy images that dehumanize, deny the love
of God for all people and do not help in resolving conflict.
In the final analysis, we must
stand unequivocally for peace. We extend our prayers for peace to
all who must decide and to all who are affected, here, in the
Persian Gulf region and around the world. We remember our
President and his administration, members of Congress, military
personnel and their families, and all who may be affected during
this critical time in global history.
As people of faith, we are reminded
of these words: "Let us then pursue what makes for peace and
for mutual upbuilding." (Romans 14:19)
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
