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| Mission Executive Sees September 11 As Day for Sober Reflection and Prayer | ||||||||||||
September 11th is a “date of infamy” that reminds the world of the horrors and pains of violence, according to the chief executive of The United Methodist Church’s international mission agency. The Rev. R. Randy Day, general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries, invited Church members to observe the day with sober reflections on the meaning of life and with prayers for peace. It was on September 11, 2001, that terrorists flew airplanes into the World Trade Towers in New York and the Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C. and caused a plane to crash in western Pennsylvania. Day noted that this year images of recent terrorism in Russia join those from 2001 in the United States. He also observed that “conflict in the Middle East, especially Iraq, continue to darken the horizon.” “May God grant to all people the determination to dwell together in mutual respect and nonviolence,” he said. The full text of the statement follows: Statement on September 11th September 11th is a date of infamy that reminds the whole world of the horrors and pains of violence. This year images of terrorism in Russia join those from New York and Washington, DC in 2001, while conflict in the Middle East, especially Iraq, continues to darken the horizon. September 11th is a time for sober reflection on the meaning of life, on human aspirations, and on the power of sin and selfishness. It is a time for ardent prayer for God's guidance as we struggle for peace on a planet of national, ethnic, and religious diversity. Peace with justice is a major goal of Christian mission. On this September 11, 2004, I urge all United Methodists to join with their neighbors in commemorations celebrating hope and prayers that point toward a kinder, more merciful world. May God grant to all people the determination to dwell together in mutual respect and nonviolence. R. Randy Day
Date posted: Sep 10, 2004 |
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