wfn.org | NCC, Islamic groups call for quick end to war

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

March 25, 2003	News media contact: Linda Bloom7(212) 870-38037New York
10-71BI{169}

NEW YORK (UMNS) - The National Council of Churches and two Islamic
organizations have issued a joint statement praying for a "quick conclusion"
to the war with Iraq.

"We are deeply saddened that military action against Iraq has begun," the
March 24 statement began. "We pray now for a quick conclusion to this war,
for the loss of as few lives as possible, and for peace. In the darkness of
war, let us be guided by faith and hope, and continue to act as responsible
citizens and peace-builders."

Signers of the statement were the Rev. Robert Edgar, a United Methodist
pastor who serves as the NCC's chief executive; Naeem Baig, chief executive,
Islamic Circle of North America; and Sayyid Muhammad Syeed, chief executive,
Islamic Society of North America.

The statement promised the signers would provide humanitarian assistance to
those affected by the war but expressed concern about the U.S. Department of
Defense controlling the humanitarian response in Iraq. "We ask that a
civilian and multinational authority be named to oversee this work," the
statement said. "We also urge that any use of Iraq's territory or resources
be authorized by a representative body of the Iraqi people under
international supervision.

"We welcome the assurance of President Bush that this action is undertaken
with 'respect for (Iraq's) citizens, for their great civilization, and for
the religious faiths they practice.' We must confess, however, that we are
concerned about the possible long-term consequences of this war.  Not only
will the war bring destruction of the infrastructure of Iraq, but we fear it
may further destabilize the Middle East, exacerbate anti-American sentiment,
and create ideal conditions for the growth of extremism and the propagation
of a new wave of terrorists."

The statement warned against hate crimes, hate speech "and any other
manifestations of a 'backlash' against certain groups of people because of
their ethnic origin or religion. May we also uphold together the American
tradition of tolerance for dissent, including that of opposition to this
war."

Concern was raised about the detention of certain groups of people. "The
proposed detention of asylum seekers on the basis of religion or national
origin, as proposed in the Department of Homeland Security's 'Operation
Liberty Shield,' alarms us," the statement said. "Singling out groups or
individuals based on ethnicity, country of origin or religion will only
promote distrust and hysteria, and not make us safer."

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United Methodist News Service
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