wfn.org | Episcopal Presiding Bishop criticizes Clinton

[Daphne Mack <dmack@dfms.org>]

For more information contact:
Episcopal News Service
Kathryn McCormick
kmccormick@dfms.org
212/922-5383
http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/ens

99-070
Presiding Bishop criticizes Clinton diplomacy in wake of 
NATO attack on Chinese embassy

(ENS) Expressing frustration at the Clinton 
administration's response to China's outrage at the NATO bombing 
of its embassy in Belgrade, Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold 
has urged the president to consider sending the secretary of 
State to Beijing on "a mission of healing and reconciliation" to 
help mend frayed U.S.-China relations.

"It is my strong sense that, while apologies were 
made, qualifiers and linkages to other issues served only to 
further worsen the situation, showing disrespect to the Chinese 
people at the time of this tragedy," Griswold said, adding later, 
"I hope such failures on the human level can be avoided in the 
future."

Griswold sent a copy of the letter to Han Wenzao, 
president of the China Christian Council.

In addition, the presiding bishop had a wreath sent to 
the offices of the Chinese Mission to the United Nations with a 
note offering the Episcopal Church's "collective condolences to 
China for the deplorable bombing of your embassy in Belgrade, 
especially to the families of the victims."

Shortly after making the text of the letter public, 
Griswold issued an update on the Episcopal Church's activities in 
response to the Kosovo crisis (see separate text in News 
Features.)

The bombing, part of the long NATO air campaign across 
Yugoslavia, killed three journalists and heavily damaged the 
embassy building. 

"I have publicly noted earlier my support of efforts 
to end the suffering of the Albanian Kosovars, and my complete 
abhorrence of Mr. Milosevic's policies and action," Griswold 
said. "However, the bombing of the Chinese embassy clearly shows 
the shortcomings of the air war." The presiding bishop reaffirmed 
his support for diplomatic efforts to end to the Balkan conflict.

The text of the presiding bishop's letter:

May 13, 1999
The President of the United States
The White House
Washington DC

Dear Mr. President:

NATO's bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade is 
lamentable enough, but the response of our country to China has 
compounded the offense. It is my strong sense that, while 
apologies were made, qualifiers and linkages to other issues 
served only to further worsen the situation, showing disrespect 
to the Chinese people at the time of this tragedy. Such a 
horrible event, the responsibility from which the U.S. cannot 
retreat, must be met with unqualified regret. My sense from on 
the ground in China is that this incident has been a crushing 
blow to the people of China, who look to the U.S. with both 
admiration and suspicion. I share your commitment to a long-term 
harmonious relationship with the people of China. I hope such 
failures on the human level can be avoided in the future.

I urge you to consider sending the Secretary of State 
to Beijing on a mission of healing and reconciliation. If 
appropriate and welcome, perhaps the Secretary of State could 
meet with the families of the victims who died to extend your 
personal condolences.

Mr. President, I have publicly noted earlier my 
support of efforts to end the suffering of the Albanian Kosovars, 
and my complete abhorrence of Mr. Milosevic's policies and 
actions. However, the bombing of the Chinese embassy clearly 
shows the shortcomings of the air war.  Every day we add to the 
suffering of all the people in the region.

Please know of my continuing support of your efforts 
to seek every diplomatic opportunity to end the conflict, 
including involvement of Russia and China in that process, and 
placing this matter under the aegis of the United Nations. In 
this regard I urge you to vigorously pursue opportunities for a 
diplomatic solution to the current crisis, fully embracing the 
good offices of the Secretary General of the United Nations.  I 
also request that you explore and consider any opportunities for 
mediation which may be available through intermediary governments 
or other recognized structures dedicated to maintaining 
international peace and security.

With the assurances of my support for your good office 
and prayers for you personally as you discharge the awesome 
duties of your office, I am,

Yours sincerely,
Frank T. Griswold
Presiding Bishop

XC: Dr. Han Wenzao, China Christian Council

For more information contact:
Episcopal News Service
Kathryn McCormick
kmccormick@dfms.org
212/922-5383
http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/ens