wfn.org | NCC Statement: Out of the Ashes and Tragedy of September 11,

["Nat'l Council of Churches" <nccc_usa@ncccusa.org>]

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 Gods
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 suffering-as profound as that loss
has been-has 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
time-a 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.

-more-

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:

1)	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;

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

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

4)	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.

-more-
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.
-more-

 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

-end-