wfn.org | Episcopalians: Presiding bishop writes to President Bush on crisis in Liberia

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

July 23, 2003

2003-166

Episcopalians: Presiding bishop writes to President Bush on 
crisis in Liberia

The Honorable George W. Bush

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The urgency of the deteriorating situation in Liberia causes me 
once again to write you on this crisis and ask that the United 
States take the lead in intervening in that troubled land.   The 
ongoing crisis in Liberia will seriously challenge the stability 
of West Africa and add to an even greater humanitarian crisis as 
thousands of people are forcibly displaced.  While recognizing 
that there are many demands upon our nation in these difficult 
days, Liberia cries out for assistance both because of the 
conditions and our historic connections there.	The Episcopal 
Church also has historic ties and maintains a covenant 
relationship with our Church there today.

I strongly urge the United States, with other nations, to act 
immediately to deploy peace keeping forces to end the 
hostilities and achieve a cease-fire.	Only then can an orderly 
transition be made from the current chaos to a legitimate and 
stable government.  Current conditions make it almost impossible 
for government and non-government organizations to provide 
necessary humanitarian aid or to plan, much less begin, 
much-needed reconstruction. The long-term stability not only of 
Liberia, but of the region, can only come about with the 
leadership of the United States.

As always, Mr. President, this letter comes with my prayers for 
you in these very difficult times.

Yours sincerely,

The Most Reverend Frank T. Griswold

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church, USA

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