Press Release: February 17, 2003
Contact: Rev. Peggy R. Gaylord, Affirmation Co-Spokesperson, 607-723-4091 or umaffirmation@yahoo.com, Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns
As the probability of a U.S. attack on Iraq looms, Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns has re-affirmed its policy statement on war. The original statement was issued over ten years ago, in January 1991. The national Affirmation council was meeting in Washington, D.C. as the United States initiated war in the Persian Gulf.
"We feared for a brutal and protracted war against Iraq. As we met, our hearts were heavy. We met again in this January [2003] to do our work," says the Rev. Peggy R. Gaylord, co-spokesperson. "Though technology has supposedly advanced and we use e-mail daily now to stay in touch, in most respects little is changed twelve years later and our hearts are heavy again as in any time of threatened war. How can we do our organizational work, shop for groceries, dispense meals in soup kitchens, drive to work, sing in the choir, do the laundry, re-certify for unemployment or food stamps, walk for AIDS or breast cancer benefits without the ever present awareness of war? We cannot be silent on this matter, as our twenty-year old 'Silence=Death' buttons remind us.
"Now, as before, we urge your prayerful reflection and conscientious action in response to this international crisis because we know that our lives are inextricably bound with the well-being of all creation."
According to Affirmation's Policy on War: "The blood of war stains the earth. We will reap a bitter harvest. War is the result of unwise choices, choosing power over justice, convenience over equity, and ultimatums over true negotiation. [War] extract[s] an enormous human cost. It threatens the lives and futures of people on both sides who have little choice about their involvement.... In our nation, young men and women of color or low economic means will carry a disproportionate burden of death and disabling injuries....[complete statement below]
"As lesbian, gay, and bisexual and transgender Christians and those who support them, we know well the destruction that comes about when the human circle is broken by violence, oppression and injustice. We call upon our nation, our church, and our world to join together to rebuild the sacred circle of God's people, recognizing that we all are one in the love of the One who loves in us...."
This statement was created 1/91; minor revisions were incorporated 2/03.
The blood of war stains the earth. We will reap a bitter harvest. War is the result of unwise choices, choosing power over justice, convenience over equity, and ultimatums over true negotiation. This war will extract an enormous human cost. It threatens the lives and futures of people on both sides who have little choice about their involvement. Many are dying. In our nation, young men and women of color or low economic means will carry a disproportionate burden of death and disabling injuries.
Inevitably, our national response to overwhelming human need--including the needs of persons living with AIDS--will be further curtailed to pay for this war. 'Management' of the news has already resulted in censorship. Greater violations of civil liberties may yet come, especially for our Arab and Muslim brothers and sisters in this country. Festering hatreds and resentments exacerbated by this war may blight attempts to create a just peace in the Middle East for generations.
As Christians, we have a mandate to join hands with those who see justice and reconciliation. As citizens of the United States, we call upon our nation to look for solutions that will bring the fighting to an immediate end. We ask our government to support a process in the Middle East that addresses the full range of issues present, allowing just peace for all parties. Industrialized nations should develop a network of renewable and ecologically sound energy sources so that we are not tempted to manipulate the course of events and the lives of nations to serve our consumptive hungers. We support the unlimited right of Americans to declare themselves conscientious objectors to military service. We call for the education of our youth about alternatives to military action and service.
As lesbian, gay, and bisexual and transgender Christians and those who support them, we know well the destruction that comes about when the human circle is broken by violence, oppression and injustice. We call upon our nation, our church, and our world to join together to rebuild the sacred circle of God's people, recognizing that we all are one in the love of the One who loves in us. Let us promise one another that we will lay down our weapons, take hold of hands, and study war no more.
See also: Print-friendly version of Affirmation's Policy Statement on War and Affirmation Endorses "Open Letter to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, and Transgender (LGBTST) Communities Opposing War".
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