NO PLACE FOR PREEMPTIVE WAR. As I read and reflect on these statements, it appears to me that the Bush Administration’s unprecedented doctrine of “preemptive war” that has been exercised in Afghanistan and Iraq is clearly beyond Free Methodism’s range of what may be permissible. The "preemptive war" policy was developed and implemented without precedent in American history. It has been resoundingly condemned by many retired American military and current civilian leaders. It reserves the right to attack any sovereign nation or state that appears to threaten the self-defined interests of American national security.1. We recognize the sovereign authority of government and the duty of all Christians to reverence the power, to obey the law, and to participate righteously in the administration of lawful order in the nation under whose protection they reside (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7). Members of our church should bear the responsibilities of good citizenship, and they have the right to act in the enforcement of law and the defense of the peace in accord with the conscience of each person.
2. We believe, however, that military aggression is indefensible as an instrument of national policy and strategy (Isaiah 2:3-4). The destruction of life and property, and the deceit and violence necessary to warfare are contrary to the spirit and mind of
Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 5:44-45). It is, therefore, the duty of all Christians to promote peace and goodwill, to foster the spirit of understanding and mutual trust among all people, and to work with patience for the renunciation of war as a means to the settlement of international disputes (Romans 12:18; 14:19).3. It is our firm conviction that none of our people should be required to enter military training or to bear arms and that the consciences of our individual members should be respected (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29). Therefore, we claim exemption from all military service for those who register officially with the church as conscientious objectors to war.
"YES, BUT..." “But fighting terrorism is different,” some will insist. Apparently it is so different that international rules, ethics, and guidelines developed carefully over time have been set aside or disregarded. The Geneva Convention has been disregarded as non-applicable to suspected terrorists and enemy combatants in Afghanistan and insurgent fighters in Iraq. In the name of spreading freedom and democracy, our government leaders are making up policies as they go that seem to serve their self-interest. In other times and places some have called this tyranny.
BEGINNING TO PRAY. Let us pray for our national leaders and dare to live as citizens of a Kingdom that embraces people of all nations. My prayer begins with confessing and grieving our collective sins in militarism and exploitation. It continues in an appeal for personal wisdom, wisdom for the church, and wisdom for world leaders. It extends into intercession for all who have suffered--and will yet suffer--personally and indirectly from the ravages of these wars. God have mercy on us all.
1 comment:
What a wonderful articulation of my own thought on this topic. I've been teaching a membership class at my Free Methodist church and we've discussed this article in depth. Isn't it sad how we have abandoned our rich peaceful heritage and been co-opted by the religious right?
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