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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
November 2002 |
Commentary:
Best course of action in Iraq not unilateral use of military force
(see signatories below)
The Bible says, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven . a time for war, and a time for peace (Ecc. 3:1, 8)." At this moment in history it is difficult to discern whether now is the time for war with Iraq.
Too many questions remain unanswered to convince us that now is the time for war. The degree of immediate threat posed by Iraq is unclear and the type of military options cannot be determined. According to Sen. Richard Lugar, "The United States has yet to undertake sufficient diplomatic, economic and political preparations to guarantee the long-term success of a pre-emptive military invasion of Iraq."*
The unintended consequences of military action could create a situation far worse than currently exists. The question of who replaces Saddam Hussein is paramount. While we hold no optimism for this brutal dictator, there is no clear alternative. Military action might create a situation of anarchy and this in turn could bring to power extremists who would create greater instability in the region.
Currently, there is very little support from other nations for our use of military force. The Iraqi people, especially the children, have already suffered greatly from the embargo and they will bear the brunt of our aggression. Ultimately, it must be the people of Iraq, not the United States, who decide their leadership and their future.
Where the answers to these questions are lacking, we find guidance in our church's social teachings. According to the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, "We deplore war and urge the peaceful settlement of all disputes among nations." We accept war as an alternative "only in extreme situations and only when the need is clear beyond reasonable doubt, and through appropriate international organizations."
The need for war is not clear, the doubts are numerous and we do not have the support of other nations. Therefore, we believe that the best course of action is containment through international coalition-building rather than the unilateral use of military force.
We urge our President, a fellow United Methodist, to show restraint and to refrain from all military action, including invasion, air strikes, and covert assassination attempts. Erring on the side of caution may not satisfy our desire for immediate solutions but it may save us from committing unintended acts of injustice.
Rev. James C. Anyike, Rev. Kevin Armstrong, Rev. Howard Boles, Rev. Darren Cushman Wood, Ms. Pat Engel, Ms. Dottie Gerner, Rev. Henry Gerner, Rev. Richard Hamilton, Rev. Mac Hamon, Rev. Sandy Harlan, Pastor Charles R. Harrison, Rev. George Hunsaker, Rev. Phil Lewis, Ms. Millie Lewis, Rev. Linda McCoy, Rev. M. Kent Millard, Rev. Carolyn E. Ocker, Rev. Todd Outcalt, Rev. Leonard F. Sjogren, Rev. Nancy Stimson, Rev. Robert Walters, Rev. Summer L. Walters, Rev. Sharon A. White, South Indiana Board of Church and Society
* The Indianapolis Star, Aug. 11, 2002.
Last updated on 01/14/2004