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Message from Church World Service Executive Director Rev. John L. McCullough on the War in Iraq
At this time we grieve for those who are having to endure additional sufferings. We are keenly aware of the fact that, for many of the people of Iraq, this war comes at the end of what has already been twelve years of severe human conditions. For many of the Iraqi people, the past decade has manifested itself in the loss of loved ones, particularly children. Conditions imposed upon the Iraqi people have robbed many of the opportunity for a quality of life we would wish for all people to have.
While we have opposed this preemptive military action, it is our hope that any warfare within this region will come to a quick conclusion, and that loss of life and limb will be minimized.
I encourage all people of faith to uphold in thought and prayer the people of Iraq, all those persons serving in the armed forces, and the leaders of our nation, so that they may be guided by the wisdom of God and by a true commitment to peace with justice, as embodied by Christ.
Church World Service has for many years had an established ongoing partnership in providing humanitarian service to the people of Iraq, and is acutely aware of the tremendous deprivation and oppression that the Iraqi people have suffered over many years. We will continue our commitment and presence; therefore, our humanitarian services should not be seen as acquiescence to the war. We will respond on the basis of human need, working through our established partners in the region, including the Middle East Council of Churches.
At this time, I am reminded of my own recent, personal pilgrimage to Iraq, of visiting with leaders within the Christian and Muslim communities, and of their constant reminder to me that--from their perspective--there is no issue between Muslims and Christians. They said it is their hope that we can work together to make sure that such a unity is truly a reality that all of us can embrace.