wfn.org | ABCUSA: European Baptist Federation Calls for Diplomacy in Iraq

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (10/15/02)--The European Baptist Federation,
at its meeting late last month in Oslo, Norway, issued a statement calling
for restraint, diplomacy and efforts "to break the cycle of violence, rather
than contribute to it" as the U.S. and other nations consider a course of
action in Iraq.

The Federation's resolution, drawing upon Christ's words in Matthew
5:9--"Blessed are the peacemakers...--called on its member unions to "remind
all governments that the dehumanizing...nature of modern arms and the
military response to political crisis place an even greater onus on
politicians to pursue...nonviolent strategies to resolve conflict."

The resolution noted opposition to "any unilateral action against Iraq which
does not have the official sanction of the United Nations" and expressed
support for "all UN efforts to avoid violent conflict." It urged its unions
to "consider those who may be innocent victims of violence and also the
economic impact of war in the modern world" and to "reflect on what our
Christian faith may teach us about the use and abuse of power in this
situation."

The European Baptist Federation, one of the six regions of the Baptist World
Alliance, includes 50 national Baptist unions in 46 countries of Europe,
Eurasia and the Near East.  American Baptist work in Europe is carried out
in relationship with the European Baptist Federation.
	
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(610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org; richard.schramm@abc-usa.org