More than ten thousand prayers for peace have arrived at the United Methodist Service Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. And with the beginning of the war on Iraq, the denomination’s one-million-member United Methodist Women will continue their prayer campaign, praying even more fervently for a quick and peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Women’s Division deputy general secretary, Joyce D. Sohl, says that the organization will pray for peace for those we support and our enemies. “War affects all people,” says Ms. Sohl. “It affects the leaders of countries; military personnel; people around the world; and women, children and youth who are the first to suffer in times of war, oppression and dispossession.”
In a press statement issued today, the Women’s Division states that they believe that Saddam Hussein is a tyrannical ruler who has committed great atrocities through genocide in his country and should be prosecuted under the Geneva Convention. In light of this, they endorse general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.
However, this should be done in conjunction with other world leaders, under the auspices of the United Nations, according to the statement. All people of Iraq – including women – should be involved in the decisions regarding their government and lives.
The statement goes on to say that The United States needs to engage with world leaders in a dialogue, not with threats.
“There are many places in the world where circumstances similar to Iraq’s are occurring,” says the statement. “It’s the responsibility of nations around the world to work together for peace and justice in all those areas using diplomatic means. We should be exemplifying this with Iraq.”
With the attack on Iraq, the United Nations projects a “humanitarian disaster.” 900,000 people will become immediate refugees with 100,000 needing immediate attention. 100,000 people will be directly wounded. 400,000 will be indirectly wounded by the conflict. 4.5 million people will need immediate food assistance.
The Women’s Division is concerned that the U.S. government in its decision to go to war has not considered the innocent human lives which will be affected and lost. This decision and the way it is handled could have a lasting impact on our relationship with the Middle East, according to the statement.
“As women of faith, a Church and a Nation, we need to respond to the hurting and despair of innocent people – especially the women and children who will be affected first. Our response should include relief efforts, medicine, help in re-building schools, hospitals, infrastructures, etc., and advocacy on behalf of the suffering of Iraq,” says the Women’s Division statement.
“As United Methodist Women, we believe that peace takes place on many different levels. As a Church and a country, we need to prepare for the re-building of personal lives and the government,” says Ms. Sohl. “As Christians and evangels, we believe that the greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as our self. Therefore, first and foremost, we should be trying to carry that out. As United Methodist Women, we will continue to pray for peace.”
More information on the Prayer for Peace campaign can be found on the Women’s Division web site at http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/prayers4peace.html .
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