wfn.org | CWS Executive Director John L. McCullough on Iraq War

["Church World Service News" <nccc_usa@ncccusa.org>]

Church World Service News Release
March 19, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Church World Service Executive Director Rev. John L.
McCullough
On Commencement of U.S. Hostilities Against Iraq
March 19, 2003, New York City

At this time we grieve for those who are having to endure additional
sufferings.  We are keenly aware of the fact that, for many of the people of
Iraq, this war comes at the end of what has already been twelve years of
severe human conditions.  For many of the Iraqi people, the past decade has
manifested itself in the loss of loved ones, particularly children.
Conditions imposed upon the Iraqi people have robbed many of the opportunity
for a quality of life we would wish for all people to have.

While we have opposed this preemptive military action, it is our hope that
any warfare within this region will come to a quick conclusion, and that
loss of life and limb will be minimized.

I encourage all people of faith to uphold in thought and prayer the people
of Iraq, all those persons serving in the armed forces, and the leaders of
our nation, so that they may be guided by the wisdom of God and by a true
commitment to peace with justice, as embodied by Christ.

Church World Service has for many years had an established and ongoing
partnership in providing humanitarian services to the people of Iraq.  We
will continue that commitment and presence; our humanitarian services should
not be seen as acquiescence to the war.  We will respond on the basis of
human need, either directly or working through our established partners in
the region, including the Middle East Council of Churches.

At this time, I am reminded of my own recent, personal pilgrimage to Iraq,
of visiting with leaders within the Christian and Muslim communities, and of
their constant reminder to me that -- from their perspective  -- there is no
issue between Muslims and Christians.  They said it is their hope that we
can work together to make sure that such a unity is truly a reality that all
of us can embrace.

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