Synod of the Covenant offers Christian
perspective on Iraq [11-5-02]
Thanks to Gordon Shull, elder of
First Church, Wooster, Ohio, and chair of the Synod's Committee on
Justice and Peacemaking, who sent us this statement.
A Christian Perspective on Iraq
Adopted by the Assembly of the Synod of
the Covenant, comprising the Presbyterian Church (USA) Congregations of
Michigan and Ohio November 1, 2002
Acknowledging that the right of self
defense, even with military weapons, is accepted by most Christians, and
that the world confronts serious challenges from terrorists like Al
Qaeda and governments like Iraq's,
We find that the following principles
are peculiarly relevant to our situation.
1. Christians and Presbyterians have
classically emphasized the importance of international law in world
affairs, and the solution of global problems through international
organizations. Our understanding that "God hath made of one blood
all nations," and that all human beings and groups are limited in
wisdom as well as virtue, underscores that emphasis. We therefore look
with grave misgiving on any effort to bypass the United Nations in
coping with general threats that all nations experience. Specifically,
we see little to be lost by a two-stage approach through the United
Nations: first, demanding unfettered inspection in Iraq; then, failing
compliance, a new decision. Maximum international consensus is more
important than a rush to war in the absence of an imminent threat.
2. We look with grave misgiving on
calls for an early "pre-emptive war." This term has always
meant that there is clear evidence that an enemy is planning to strike
in the very near future. No such evidence has been given, either to the
public or to congressional committees.
3. Wars always inflict unexpected
consequences upon all concerned. We do not believe that the advocates of
an early war have given adequate consideration to this point. We are
sobered by the warnings of many experts that the consequences of
unilateral American invasion of Iraq could well include the triggering
of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (hitherto deterred); massive
upheaval in the Middle East; severe complications in the worldwide
struggle against terrorism; collaboration between natural enemies like
Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein; and lengthy, costly occupation of a fragile
and hostile country.
We urgently call upon our national
leaders to give serious attention to these matters, and to treat with
grace and respect those who disagree with them.
(Adopted for communication to the
President, Vice President, National Security Advisor and Secretaries of
State and Defense of the United States, the Senate and House Committees
on Foreign Relations, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
(USA), and the presbyteries of the Synod of the Covenant.)
