How Should Christians Respond in the Midst of War?
STATEMENT BY THE WITNESS IN RESPONSE TO THE WAR IN IRAQ

March 27, 2003

"Americans are now constantly, incessantly, and somewhat vehemently assailed with the word that the ultimate moral significance of their individual lives is embodied in and depends upon the mere survival of the American nation and its ‘way of life.’ …But that only means that the survival of the nation as such becomes the idol, the chief object of loyalty, service, and idolatry… the preeminent factor in terms of which, it is claimed, human beings will find their own justification is in service to the nation, in the offering of all other things for the sake of national survival... The claim of a nation, ideology, or other principality to rule history, though phony and futile, is at the same time an aspiration for salvation, a longing for the reality that does, indeed, rule history." [From Free in Obedience, by William Stringfellow, 1964, as excerpted in A Keeper of the Word: Selected Writings of William Stringfellow, edited by Bill Wylie-Kellermann, Eerdmanns, 1994.]

For many months, the U.S. government under President George W. Bush has prepared for war against Iraq. During that time, we have witnessed the amassing of the full might of the United States as it prepares to go to war. We have been offered the frightening spectacle of a principality at work, assembling its power for the sole purpose of waging war. The economic stability of the U.S., and particularly its poor, has been sacrificed to mobilize for war.

Although the Bush administration for months claimed to be seeking diplomatic avenues to peace, its true intentions were made clear when the international community refused to condone its plan for war. The U.S.’ arrogant response was to end all diplomatic efforts and to begin a countdown to war, demonstrating that the Bush administration’s sole aim was approval for war, and that war was its only intention.

Now, we again witness the exploitation of the myth of redemptive violence. The U.S. government unleashes righteous war and violence in order to rid the world of the threat of war and violence. That seems to be the eternal illusion of humans, evidenced even in the Old Testament story of Cain, who was convinced that all would be made right if only Abel were dead.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that violence can suppress conflict. But it cannot overcome conflict. We know that violence can bring about results: winners and losers in war. But we know that violence cannot bring about reconciliation or peace. We know that violence can promise life for those who survive war. But ultimately it immortalizes the cycle of death.

As Christians, how shall we respond in the midst of war?

First, we are an incarnational people, and we seek the face of Christ in all persons. We reject the demonization of the enemy, and specifically of Saddam Hussein and George W. Bush as evil. We advocate for increased interfaith collaboration in the face of religious prejudice and hatred. We specifically call on all Christians to form or strengthen relationships with Muslims and Jews.

Second, living in the U.S., we call on one another, our communities, and our country to turn from violence and to repent. As William Stringfellow once wrote, "America will remain frustrated, literally demoralized, incapable of coping with its concrete problems as a nation and society until it knows that realism concerning the nation’s vocation that only repentance can bring." [Politics of Spirituality, 1984.]

Third, as people of faith, we support those devastated by war, both in Iraq and elsewhere. We will assist the victims of war, and continue to call for the safe, immediate return of troops to the U.S. and other countries. We decry the use of especially destructive weapons, such as chemical and biological weapons, the burning of oil fields, and ammunitions using depleted uranium.

Fourth, we support nonviolent resistance to war. Drawing on the legacy of King, Gandhi, and countless other nonviolent activists, and the witness of the Prince of Peace, we affirm civil disobedience as an appropriate form of protest to an immoral war. We will assist conscientious objectors and military tax resisters.

Finally, in the midst of the reign of death, we remain a people of hope who believe in and seek the resurrection. We believe that developing just, equitable relationships – between individuals, communities, and nations – is the path to justice and lasting peace. We call on the governments of Iraq and the United States to recognize the concerns of millions of people around the world who have demonstrated their belief that violence is no solution to conflict between nations. We call on the governments involved in this conflict to recognize their responsibilities as members of the community of nations, to agree to a cease-fire, and to immediately seek a negotiated settlement.