A Call to Conversation on Iraq
A Call to Conversation on
Iraq
January 26, 2007
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ:
I am writing to you out of my deep concern about the war in
Iraq. Our country is engaged in a divisive debate about the
nature and direction of this war. It is a war that is taking
place both within the context of increasing insecurity in the
Middle East and in relation to the unacceptable level of
violence and violations of human rights in the conflict between
Israel and Palestine.
As the war in Iraq escalates and the way to a lasting peace
seems unclear, how shall we who are members of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America respond?
Each one of us has, as part of our baptismal vocation, the call
to "strive for justice and peace in all the world." Pastors,
associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers have
committed themselves to support other Christians in this calling
and to live it themselves. Working for peace is part of our
shared work in Christ. What does this mean during this critical
moment in the life of our country? What does this mean in the
life of the world, especially as we consider this country's
military and economic power? Together we need to discern what is
a just response that will contribute to an enduring peace.
One of the most significant contributions we can make is to
engage in this debate with intentionality, seriousness, and
vigor. We must bring the best insights from our faith, our
theology, our experience, and our intellect to this challenge,
engaging in what will be difficult conversations in our
congregations, communities, and with our elected officials.
I earnestly hope that within all the congregations of this
church we, the baptized, will be engaged in prayer and moral
deliberation, especially in light of the escalation of violence,
the growing casualties on all sides in the war in Iraq, and the
urgency to seek peace. I look to the leadership of this church
to assist congregations in doing so.
We have helpful tools that can inform and assist us in these
discussions. I encourage you to read again the ELCA Social
Statement "For
Peace in God's World" and the Message on "Living
in a Time of Terrorism." These are rich resources that offer
guidance to us during these critical times.
As policy makers discuss how best to conclude the U.S. military
presence in Iraq, I believe that there are a number of aspects
related to our involvement that compel our response:
How do we respond to reality of terrorism without letting terrorism become the all-consuming reality?
How can we reaffirm our witness that all people are created by God and share a unity far deeper than our divisions?
How can we stay informed about the cost and casualties of this war for all affected, including the Iraqis, while continuing our strong and prayerful support for U.S. military, civilian personnel, and their families?
What time frame and method should be used both to lessen significantly or to end U.S. military presence in Iraq, and to assist the Iraqi government to address the civil conflict through negotiations, conflict resolution, and reconciliation? How can that government's capacity be expanded to promote and preserve human rights, restore order, and promote the rule of law?
What opportunities do the present circumstances provide to enable the international community -- through the United Nations and related efforts -- to pursue regional diplomatic initiatives with all governments, including concrete steps that will lead to, rather than jeopardize, peace with justice in the Middle East?
How has our involvement in the war affected how the U.S. government and we, its citizens, are perceived globally? What have we learned about how we understand ourselves as a country and about how our country lives out its responsibilities in the global arena?
How can we as Lutherans become better informed about other faith traditions, especially Islam and Judaism? "Windows for Understanding" is an excellent new resource that encourages face-to-face conversations with Muslim and Jewish people in your own communities.
As we discuss the war, I call on
each of us to listen to and respect the views of others. At a
time when this country's public discourse has become contentious
and people often feel powerless, it is a sign of hope for
congregations and communities to engage publicly in civil and
moral deliberation. Even as the Congress wrestles with its
response to the president's new strategy, it is time for us as
citizens and members of this church to engage one another. As
members of the ELCA we can model our civic responsibility and
offer another way to come together with our varied perspectives
to discern what we can contribute to the common good and a
lasting peace. I encourage all of us to dare to struggle with
these issues and to share the results of those discussions with
our elected representatives. As our social statement on peace
says, in deciding about matters related to war, "we face
conflicting moral claims and agonizing dilemmas."
Finally, we must continue to pray for peace, live out our
Christian call to be peacemakers, and encourage all those in
authority to redouble their efforts to work for peace with
justice and the global common good.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America