April 16, 2003
During this most Holy Week of the
year, I am encouraged by reports that major aspects of the war
in Iraq are coming to an end. We now have a renewed opportunity
and responsibility to consider the questions of war, peace and
human community to which this moment in history calls us. It is
a moment marked by gratitude for sacrifices made, as well as by
continued concern and commitment.
Together with all people of good
will who yearn for peace in our world, I give thanks that the
most intense phase of the military conflict in Iraq has ceased.
The brutal regime of Saddam Hussein has collapsed. I am
particularly thankful that many of the immediate dangers of this
war have not been realized, including massive refugee
displacement, use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, or
wide destabilization in the region. With grateful hearts we
honor the sacrifice made by those service personnel who have
been injured or died in this war, and mourn the loss of all
innocent persons. Our heartfelt prayers go out for all soldiers
and their families who, in service to their country, have
sacrificed so much in this military conflict.
As Christians, our faith compels
us to search for what makes for a just peace and to seek ways
for nations and peoples to live together in a global community.
Even as overt hostilities subside, I am concerned that support
for all affected by this war continue. I call for prayers for
the people of Iraq during this difficult and dangerous time of
transition. I urge support for all efforts to protect civilians,
care for humanitarian needs and human rights, and return as soon
as possible to the people of Iraq the governance of their
country. I am convinced that the post-conflict rebuilding of
Iraq also must include the rebuilding of relationships between
nations and the United Nations. I fervently hope that the end of
this military conflict will focus renewed political will and
action on resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
It is important that continuing
care be offered to members of the military as they return home,
carrying in their minds, hearts and bodies the effects of war
and violence. I am concerned that we tend to the healing of our
relationships with one another across ethnic and political
lines, and especially between faith communities.
This moment of history is also
one of commitment. As presiding bishop of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), I commit myself to continue
to invite this church, as a community of faith, to engage in
moral deliberation about the pressing issues of our country and
our world. As members of the ELCA we hold a wide range of
opinions about this war and the next steps to be taken. As
people of God we share a common baptismal hope, believing and
trusting in God's gracious intention for a world of peace and
justice. I will continue to invite this church into constant
prayer for our president and all elected officials, for all
people affected by war and unjust relationships, and for this
fragile planet. The governing documents of this church call all
ELCA pastors to "speak publicly to the world in solidarity
with the poor and oppressed, calling for justice and proclaiming
God's love for the world." Together with them I am
committed to living out this shared calling and responsibility.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
