The General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church deplores the recent act of violence against the USS Cole and extends our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those sailors who were killed or injured.

We are greatly concerned about further escalation of the violence and therefore call upon all parties involved in the Middle East to cease hostilities immediately.

We urge all United Methodists to be in a continued attitude of prayer so that peace and justice may prevail.

October 18, 2000

See also:
Statement on the Current Crisis in the Palestinian Territories and Israel, October 17, 2000