The text of a letter released today by a diverse coalition of U.S. religious leaders (including our provincial, Very Rev. John Puodziunas, OFM) regarding the situation in Syria: a call for a strong diplomatic effort, continued humanitarian relief, and refraining from providing military assistance to either side. July 31, 2013 President Barack Obama The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, As leaders of Christian communions and organizations throughout the United States, we are compelled to write to you out of our grief for the crisis within Syria. We feel deeply the pain of all who are caught in the midst of war. We pay heed to the reminder of our Christian brothers and sisters that they are part of the fabric of Syrian history and society, with a desire to live in peace with all their neighbors. The rich religious and ethnic tapestry that has characterized Syria for centuries is at risk of fraying beyond repair. Already more than 100,000 Syrians have been killed as a result of the war. More than 4 million people have been displaced from their homes within Syria, and an additional 1.7 million Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries, placing a great strain upon local economies. Churches within the region and many of our own churches, congregations and organizations have responded generously to the needs of Syrians who are suffering as a result of the war. But the needs are enormous and they continue to grow. We are grateful for the humanitarian assistance provided thus far by the U.S. government and encourage an ongoing and robust response. These funds must be used in an impartial manner, in keeping with international standards. Furthermore, these monies must be in addition to, and not instead of, funding for the ongoing needs of refugees and internally displaced people in other countries. In addition, all parties to the conflict must allow immediate access to all persons in need. But responding to humanitarian needs, important as this task is, is no substitute for addressing the root causes of the violence. For this reason we urge you to direct your Administration’s full diplomatic energies toward an inclusive, negotiated, political solution that provides a foundation for an inclusive society in Syria that protects the rights of all its citizens and for implementing substantive strategies for healing social-psychological and physical wounds. Such a political agreement will, no doubt, require compromise on the part of all parties involved. The United Nations has appealed for an immediate end to the violence and all forms of human rights abuses, and we strongly affirm this call. We urge you to refrain from the provision of military assistance to forces involved in the conflict in Syria. Military involvement will only further escalate an already brutal war and will, in fact, undermine the prospect of negotiations to ensure a just and sustainable future for all Syrians. Rather, the U.S. should call for all parties to cease all military activities in Syria and work urgently to de-escalate the crisis, together with other actors in the region and beyond. We harbor no illusions as to the difficulties such a process will entail. But we believe it is the path the United States, along with the international community, must pursue if we seek the welfare of all Syrians. We pray for wisdom for you and for all of us as we seek to respond to this difficult and heartbreaking crisis. Sincerely, Rev. A. Roy Medley General Secretary American Baptist Churches USA Shan Cretin General Secretary American Friends Service Committee Bishop Richard E. Pates Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins General Minister and President Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Stanley J. Noffsinger General Secretary Church of the Brethren Very Rev. John Edmunds, ST President Conference of Major Superiors of Men Mark S. Hanson Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Adam Estle Executive Director Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding Florence Deacon, OSF President Leadership Conference of Women Religious Paul Alexander, PhD Co-President Evangelicals for Social Action Co-Founder Pentecostals & Charismatics for Peace & Justice Very Reverend John Puodziunas, OFM President Franciscan Friars English Speaking Conference Diane Randall Executive Director Friends Committee on National Legislation Rev. Dr. James Moos Co-Executive Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ Rev. Julia Brown Karimu Co-Executive Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ V. Reverend Thomas H. Smolich, S.J. President Jesuit Conference, USA Gerry G. Lee Director Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns J Ron Byler Executive Director Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Ervin R. Stutzman Executive Director Mennonite Church USA Marie Dennis Co-President Pax Christi International Rev. Gradye Parsons Stated Clerk of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church (USA) Rev. Dr. Tom DeVries General Secretary Reformed Church in America Rev. Geoffrey Black General Minister and President United Church of Christ Bishop Mary Ann Swenson Ecumenical Officer Council of Bishops The United Methodist Church Very Rev. William Antone OMI USP Missionary Oblates
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 21:11:13 +0000
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