Letter to congregations from Jim Schrag, Executive Director

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
Matthew 5:44-45

Dear sisters and brothers,

Last night 40 United States missiles exploded in Baghdad, home of 5 million people. Our country is officially at war with Iraq. What is our call from God during this time?

First, we grieve through our prayers. We mourn the decision to use violence rather than diplomacy, the probable loss of life of Iraqis and Americans, and the use of our tax money for destruction rather than for human needs.

Second, we continue to make our congregations places of healing and hope. Our church fellowship is a place for peacemakers to gather who may feel the need of kinship in a militaristic society. Our places of worship are open for community members to pray, and our arms are ready to comfort those injured by war or who have lost loved ones.

Third, we continue to place our hope in God. Our security does not lie in military weapons, but in the Name of the Lord. We are called to choose suffering and death rather than to hurt others. "Led by the Holy Spirit, we follow Christ in the way of peace, doing justice, bringing reconciliation, and practicing nonresistance even in the face of violence and warfare." (Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, Article 22.)

Attached you'll find Article 22 of our Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. I encourage you to use this litany during your worship service this week. Many additional resources for prayer and action are available on the constantly updated Peace and Justice Support Network web site http://peace.MennoLink.org.

May you find God's strength to help you and your congregation continue to be visible witnesses for Christ's peace.