wfn.org | Statement on Iraq

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
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Note 587 by UMNS on Feb. 3, 1998 at 17:26 Eastern (2734 characters).

CONTACT: Linda Bloom				60(10-21-71B){587}
		New York (212) 870-3803		Feb. 3, 1998

World Methodist leader issues
plea for peaceful solution on Iraq

		by United Methodist News Service

	The chairperson of the World Methodist Council has issued a plea for a
peaceful resolution to tensions between the United States and Iraq.
	"On behalf of a global Methodist family, I plead for the United States and
Iraqi governments to weigh the human factors and seek solutions that respect
the dignity of men, women and children and families on both sides, before
pre-emptive strikes are ordered, for they will only cause increased hostility
and division in the area," said Frances Alguire of New Buffalo, Mich.
	Such hostilities would bring suffering not only to people in the countries
involved, but also would cause suffering in other parts of the Middle East,
affecting Jews, Palestinians, and Muslims and Christians living in the West
Bank, Syria, Jordan and Egypt, according to Alguire's Feb. 2 statement.
	The World Methodist Council, representing 34 million members, annually
recognizes exceptional contributions to the cause of reconciliation and peace.
Last September, Alguire presented the 1997 World Methodist Peace Award in Rome
to the Community of St. Egidio -– a Roman Catholic youth-inspired movement
that has now spread to many countries.
	For the past two years, Alguire also has participated in an international
meeting for peace sponsored by that community in Rome.
	"I ask, 'Why do political leaders continue to think that warfaring, military
force and weaponry are the way to solve problems?'" Alguire said in her
statement. "The fallout from war is destruction of human lives and God's
creation, plus perpetuation of hatred and greed."
	A seven-member World Council of Churches delegation, which visited Iraq in
January, also has warned against renewed military intervention.
	In its report, the delegation urged that churches worldwide ask their
respective governments to oppose threats of military action to force Iraq to
comply with U.N. Security Council demands.
	Witnessing the effects of seven years of economic sanctions against the Iraqi
population, the delegation found that the water, sanitation and electric power
systems critical to public health cannot be maintained. Schools, medical
facilities, farms, various human resources and the general economy also have
been hurt.
	The witness and ministry of the small Christian community in Iraq have been
significantly reduced, according to the delegation. A growing number of
Christians are emigrating to escape economic hardship, and churches in the
country feel isolated from and abandoned by the larger Christian community.
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