Action:

General Secretary Jim Winkler of The United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society calls upon United Methodists to urge the President to immediately pursue other means to resolve the threat posed by Iraq instead of going to war. He notes the first moral duty of all nations is to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among nations.

Background:

Mr. Winkler released a statement saying in part, “If we, as United Methodists, are to take seriously the words of Jesus to become peacemakers and seek justice and peace with one another (Matthew 5:1-12), we must speak out now - to the president, members of congress, and our local media - that the path upon which the President seeks to embark is counter to the teachings of Jesus, inconsistent with the position of the United Methodist Church, and is one that threatens the rule of law as a fundamental principle of democracy. That the ends justify the means is the weakest of all possible arguments. Our nation deserves better, and the world expects better of us.”

For a full text of Mr. Winkler's statement issued August 30, 2002, click here.

Contact:

For information on contacting President Bush or members of Congress and other government officials, click here.

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