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Church leaders meet Blair in third NCC-led peace delegation
Episcopal News Service
Issue:
Section:
2003-036-1
Posted: Wednesday, February 19, 2003
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U.S. Christian leaders spent 50 minutes with British Prime Minister Tony Blair February 18 to convey a message of widespread opposition to war with Iraq and to explore alternatives. The visit was the third of five meetings with European leaders by delegations organized by the National Council of Churches, based in New York City.
The ecumenical delegations are finding strong support among European church leaders for the 'Win Without War' approach advocated by most major U.S. faith groups. A February 5 visit to Berlin included a meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. In Paris (February 10-11), the delegation met with the French Foreign Ministry. Upcoming are visits to Moscow (March 3-5), including a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, and a multi-faith visit to Rome (February 25-27).
The Rev. Jim Wallis, editor and executive director of Sojourners in Washington, DC, described the meeting with Blair as a crucial step towards promoting 'collective international efforts' when it comes to resolving situations such as the current conflict with Iraq. He said, 'The British government is in a better position to shape the decision, more so than any other leaders in the world.'
Bishop John Chane of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington reiterated Wallis' remarks, saying that Blair is a key person in resolving the issue and that they had not been able to engage in similar conversations with the Bush administration.
Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of Cape Town in South Africa reported thousands protesting on the streets. He said that 'the repercussions of war in Iraq would influence the distribution of resources to Africa,' creating an adverse affect on poverty and the critical HIV/AIDS crisis throughout the continent.
The discussion was not only limited to Iraq. Anxieties were also expressed about the continuing hostilities between Israel and Palestine. Bishop Riah Abu El-Assal of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (which includes Jordan, Lebanon and Syria) said that the war in the Middle East is viewed as 'another crusade' and that 'if we don't address the cause then it could be catastrophic to the faithful flock throughout the entire region.'
When asked whether the delegation would support a war if the UN emerged with a resolution allowing disarmament by force, the Anglican Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Price, responded, 'It is a very thorny question. What we are attempting to do is offer as many peaceful alternatives as we can in order to avoid that outcome.'
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| © 2004, The Episcopal Church, USA. Episcopal News Service content may be reprinted without permission as long as credit is given to ENS. |
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