wfn.org | UCC Synod reaches out to people of Iran

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> UCC Synod reaches out to people of Iran

> Written by Martin Bailey
> June 30, 2009

With a unanimous vote, the 27th General Synod of the United Church of
Christ expressed solidarity and friendship with the people of Iran.

In its action the Synod supported the freedom movement in Iran in
which demonstrators and others have sought self-government. The
delegates affirmed basic human rights and adherence to the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, and called for an end to the violence
directed by the Iranian government against peaceful demonstrators and
the media.

The resolution was developed by a Synod committee in response to three
proposals that had come from individual delegates, seven local
churches, and two conferences. It was presented by Geoffrey Brace, who
noted that the committee needed to take account of the demonstrations
on the streets of Tehran. "God is still speaking," he told the Synod,
"so we prepared a substitute resolution."

In its vote, the Synod recognized the UCC's ties with Christian
churches in the Middle East, including Iran, as well as the
denomination's continued commitment to interfaith dialogue. The Synod
was aware that there have been "many peaceful initiatives within Iran itself."

Specific recommendations included citizen exchanges, participation in
the "Axis of Friendship Day," and dialogue among religious partners,
including Iranian Christians. The Synod asked Wider Church Ministries
and other covenanted ministries to report its action to global
partners and to explore with them possible similar actions.