Contact: Linda Bloom 533(10-21-71B){345} New York (212) 870-3803 Sept. 24, 1997
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - United Methodists were among the participants in a Sept. 22 lunch-time rally on the steps of the U.S. Capitol here, calling for U.S. support of a global ban on landmines. Sponsored by the United Nations Association/USA, the rally was attended by Democratic and Republican members of Congress and supporters of the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines.
The Rev. R. Randy Day, senior pastor of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Ridgefield, Conn., said he felt "a sense of euphoria and urgency" regarding the final negotiated treaty adopted by 89 nations recently in Oslo, Norway. "This is the first time since the end of World War I that the nations of the world have banned an active weapons system," he added. "It is a stunning accomplishment."
But his sense of urgency "centers on the very disappointing fact that the United States refused to embrace this treaty," Day said. "It is regrettable that the world's one remaining superpower did not provide strong leadership in the international negotiations."
Noting that antipersonnel landmines kill an estimated 26,000 victims around the world each year, Day added that President Clinton's pledge to "eventually" support a total ban "will not halt this mass murder in slow motion."
Among those addressing the rally were Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Congresswoman Connie Morella, R-Md., both of whom called upon the Clinton Administration to reverse its position and sign the treaty in Ottawa in December. They also called for support of the Landmine Elimination Act of 1997, now before Congress.
Also attending the rally were Anna Rhee, a Women's Division executive, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries; Howard Hallman, chairman, Methodists United for Peace; and Robin Ringler, Peace with Justice program director for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
A photographic exhibit, "The Landmine Crisis in Cambodia," currently is on view in the lobby of the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill.
Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New York, and Washington.
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Outside Link: Landmines in Cambodia: The Coward's War by Human Rights Watch
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