wfn.org | NCC Statement - Out of the Ashes and Tragedy of Sept 11 2001

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A STATEMENT

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN THE USA

Out of the Ashes and Tragedy of September 11, 2001
Adopted Unanimously by the NCC General Assembly November 15, 2001

In the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we, the 
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, 
continue to hold in prayer the families of all the victims, as well as all 
those survivors who now suffer physical and emotional pain.  We claim God 
s promise that all who mourn will not feel separated from Gods love, but 
will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

In the shadow of the events of recent weeks, we give thanks that the 
magnitude of the loss of life and human sufferingas profound as that loss 
has beenhas been matched by the generosity of spirit and the humanitarian 
response.

We believe that the tragedy of the September 11th attacks and the ensuing 
war on terrorism, which now includes ground forces as well as military 
strikes in Afghanistan, provide a kairos moment, a place within Gods 
timea time for the Church to bear witness to the fullness of God, our 
creator, redeemer and comforter.

We lament the loss of life in any nation because every person is precious 
and unique in Gods sight.  As violence escalates, the pre-existing 
humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan reaches horrendous 
proportions.  Afghanistans neighbors are pressed to provide sanctuary and 
hospitality to a massive influx of refugees, most of whom are children, 
women, and the elderly.

In the U.S., some people of Middle Eastern and Central and Southern Asian 
background, regardless of religion or creed, including Christians, have 
been threatened, attacked, and killed, and some of their places of worship 
bombed or burned as a result of bigotry and hatred.  At the same time, 
individuals and communities across the nation have rallied in support of 
those unjustly targeted. We commit ourselves to continue to dialogue and to 
build community.

In the U.S., some people have been or currently are being held in detention 
centers presumably because of possible linkages to terrorist 
activities.  We believe that the rule of law must be administered fairly, 
so as to safeguard and protect civil liberties, even in a time of external 
threat.

It is time for us as an ecumenical community to make a renewed commitment 
to a ministry of peace with justice, and to make real in these days the 
call of Jesus, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. 
(Matthew 5:44)   In his Beatitudes, Jesus calls us, his followers, to be 
merciful if we are to receive mercy; he reminds us that the peacemakers are 
blessed and will be called children of God.  And, he proclaims us the 
light of the world; our good works should be a beacon to others so they 
may give glory to God. (Matthew 5:14-16)

We lift up Pillars of Peace for the 21st Century, a 1999 Policy Statement 
of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.  We 
reaffirm and highlight the Statements call to build a culture of peace 
with justice characterized by these convictions:

the transcending sovereignty and love of God for all creation and the 
expression of that love in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, whose mission 
was to reveal understanding about that divine presence, to proclaim a 
message of salvation and to bring justice and peace;

the unity of creation and the equality of all races and peoples;

the dignity and worth of each person as a child of God; and

the church, the body of believers, whose global mission of witness, 
peacemaking and reconciliation testifies to Gods action in history.
                                                                                                  (The 
Preamble)

We sense a deepening realization that international cooperation is 
essential to root out the networks of terrorism.  There is a growing 
recognition of how the security of our world is interdependent and that the 
causes of insecurity are interrelated.  There is increasing awareness among 
the peoples of the world that the reasons for this escalation of violence 
must be better understood and addressed collectively. Several heads of 
state have cited a complex set of multiple factors at the current session 
of the UN General Assembly.  For instance, President George W. Bush, in his 
address on November 10, spoke of the urgent need to implement the relevant 
UN resolutions that provide the foundation for a lasting peace and security 
between Israel and Palestine.

We believe that no nation can feel secure by itself if others are 
insecure.  Similarly, military security does not ensure economic 
security.  Nor can there be true security without adequate food, water, 
health care, sanitation, or shelter.  The challenge for those who seek 
justice and peace is to reinforce the intimate connections between 
economic, political, cultural and physical security. Such a challenge is 
pertinent to the current situation in Afghanistan and should be taken up by 
the United Nations in its effort to broker a post-war Afghanistan 
government with the active participation of Russia and the United States 
and the countries surrounding Afghanistan: China, Iran, Pakistan, 
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.

We express our deep appreciation to the member communions of the NCCCUSA 
and other contributors who enable their agencies, including CWS and local 
congregations, to undertake long-term spiritual and emotional care in New 
York City and elsewhere in the United States.  We are equally grateful for 
their generosity that is enabling CWS to provide assistance to Afghan 
refugees and displaced persons.  CWS has a decade of humanitarian 
experience in partnership in Afghanistan and an almost 50-year history in 
Pakistan, carried out by staff, partners, and volunteers.  We applaud the 
dedication, competence, and courage of these, our brothers and sisters, and 
we pray for their safety, strength, and health as they continue their 
service and ministry under extremely difficult circumstances. CWS response 
is ongoing and its implementation is interfaith based.

Therefore the General Assembly of the NCCCUSA, meeting in Oakland, California:

Urges the US government and other governments to ensure the protection of 
human rights and fundamental freedoms and to treat all peoples with 
dignity, respect, and tolerance irrespective of religion, race, ethnicity 
or color;

Calls for an early end to the bombing campaign and for all parties to 
collaborate with the international community to discern non-violent means 
that may be available by which to bring to justice those who terrorize the 
nations of the world.

Urges the United States to play a constructive role within the framework of 
the UN in establishing institutions of a post-war Afghan government that 
are broadly based, respectful of their traditions and acceptable to the 
people of Afghanistan.

Urges the United States to make a long-term commitment to the region with a 
view to promoting harmonious relationships, economic development and 
lasting peace.

Encourages the member communions and their congregations to undertake open 
dialogue on questions of peace and justice seeking to build stronger 
multi-faith communities of tolerance and mutual understanding; and to renew 
our commitment of the churches in the ministry of peace with justice.

In addition, the General Assembly:

Appeals to the member communions and the general public to respond 
generously to the CWS Afghanistan/Pakistan Appeal for $6.28 million 
designated for food and shelter for the refugees, recognizing CWS as an 
agency that has been active in Central and Southern Asia for 
decades.  Church World Service is well positioned to contribute to the 
urgent tasks of food relief, assistance to refugees and displaced persons, 
and long-term food security and sustainable development in Afghanistan.

Commends the CWS staff, partners, and volunteers who are at risk in 
Pakistan and Afghanistan for their dedication, compassion, and expertise;

Expresses its deep appreciation for the cooperation of all the relevant 
U.S. government agencies, particularly the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Policy Base:  Pillars of Peace for the 21st Century, 1999