wfn.org | ABC News interviews Bishop Talbert on prospect of war

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

March 5, 2003 News media contact: Kathy Gilbert7(615)742-54707Nashville,
Tenn.	10-71BP{122}

NOTE: A photograph is available with this report.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - An interview with United Methodist Bishop Melvin G.
Talbert, ecumenical officer for the Council of Bishops, will air March 5 on
"ABC World News Tonight" as part of a story focusing on American Christians'
disagreement with a war on Iraq.

President George W. Bush met behind closed doors on Ash Wednesday with
Cardinal Pio Laghi, an envoy of Pope John Paul II. Laghi was bringing the
pope's admonition about a possible U.S.-led war against Iraq. Bush has said
he rejects the Vatican's argument that pre-emptive war with Iraq has no moral
justification.

"It saddens me that even before the papal envoy arrived, the message from
Bush was clear," Talbert said.

Talbert was interviewed by phone at Brentwood (Tenn.) United Methodist
Church, near Nashville, by ABC reporter John Cochran. 

Asked why Bush, a United Methodist, has so far refused to meet with American
church leaders about the issue, Talbert replied: "That's a good question. I
cannot speak for the president.

"I like President Bush," he continued. "He is a great man; he is a great
president. We just differ on this issue. I wish he were more open to dialogue
on this issue, which is so important to the future of this nation."

Bush is amassing U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf area for a possible military
action against Iraq, based on Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's reported buildup
of weapons of mass destruction.

The U.S. National Council of Churches and the United Methodist Council of
Bishops have requested a meeting with Bush. "We regret the president has
isolated himself from certain views," Talbert said. "He is only hearing one
side."

Talbert was part of a delegation of religious leaders, led by the NCC, who
visited Iraq Dec. 29-Jan. 3. The bishop is on the NCC's executive board.

Since that visit, he said he has committed himself to working to avert a war.
Talbert has appeared in a 30-second commercial for cable television and has
been interviewed by numerous news outlets.

"The Gospel compels me to speak up," he said. Too many innocent people, "our
brothers and sisters," will die if a war is waged.

Talbert emphasized he supports "our sons and daughters and grandchildren" in
the military who have a job to do.

"I love them, and I am doing all I can to support them by asking the
policymakers to keep them from a war."

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United Methodist News Service
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