The delegate body of Mennonite Church USA, along with other members of our church, including over 6,000 youth, gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, July 3-7 to do the work of the church. One resolution approved by delegates addresses the presence of the U. S. Navy on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques.

As you know, in July of 1999, two stray bombs hit a military observation post on Vieques and killed a civilian guard, David Sanes. Since then both residents and international supporters, including Mennonite members of Christian Peacemaker Teams, have nonviolently blockaded the entrances to the base, eventually resulting in the Navy ceasing its bombing. However, bombing resumed in May 2000 after protesters were forcibly removed from the bombing range. The government of Puerto Rico has used legal and diplomatic means to try to bring an end to the military exercises on Vieques. Our members continue to nonviolently enter the military base. Some are currently serving prison/probation terms for this action.

The 9,300 residents of Vieques, who live within ten miles of the bombing range, suffer economic and environmental damage after years of bombing. Residents earn a living through farming and fishing. Toxic metals from bomb residue have been found in their fruits and vegetables, and many feel these have caused increased occurrences of cancer. The Navy restricts fishing and their ships destroy lobster traps. Between 100-200 civilians hold jobs with the military, most of them at minimum wage. A local group, the Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques, has planned for appropriate development of the island once the Navy leaves.

Regrettably your June 14, 2001 White House announcement that the bombing range will be closed and removed from US Navy control in 2003 does not incorporate an immediate end to its use by the US and other NATO countries. It also does not answer present health concerns or promise to clean up the environment. Because of this Puerto Ricans have called for continued nonviolent actions to stop the bombing exercises.

In March 2001 Puerto Rican Mennonite Church delegates decided that they could no longer be silent about the oppression the U.S. Navy's bombing of Vieques has caused for the island's people. On May 11, 2001, they asked Mennonites in the United States to write their government representatives asking for a cessation of military exercises on Vieques. The following resolution is in response to this request from our sisters and brothers in Puerto Rico.

We as Mennonite Church USA ask you and our U.S. government leaders to:

• Stop military exercises on Vieques;
• Clean up contaminated land so children can play safely, farmers can grow healthy crops, and fishermen can fish in unpolluted water;
• Immediately remove the Navy from the island;
• Financially and strategically support the reconstruction work of the Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques.

We urge you to take the actions outlined above. May God grant you the courage to speak and act on this difficult issue.

Sincerely,


Ervin Stutzman, Moderator
Mennonite Church USA


James Schrag, Executive Director
Mennonite Church USA