Dear Christian Sisters and Brothers of Iraq,

We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who binds us together as one. We are 250 congregations with 36,000 members in Canada. We believe that all people are created in the image of God. We desire only good things for you, your neighbors, and all people of the world.

These past twelve years have been extremely difficult ones for you. You have had to endure the Gulf War of 1991, ongoing bombing, and terrible sanctions that have crippled your society and have killed thousands upon thousands of your children. We write to share the bonds of Christian solidarity with you in your time of suffering.

We are pacifist Christians in Canada who believe that violence of any kind does not bring resolution, restoration, or healing. We grieve the role of our government in the death and devastation brought upon your country. You have become innocent victims of the struggle between political powers, and we, because of where we live, have become a part of your oppression.

We want you to know that we are striving to be a witness to Christ's peace between your country and our countries. We are working and speaking to have the sanctions lifted. We are calling our leaders to pursue peace and not war. We are doing what we can to prevent further military intervention in your country. We are also inviting our congregations to reach out to you in prayer and actions that envision the day when we can be one again.

As a sign of the light of God that lights the path between us, we offer this oil lamp, which bears the symbol of the Mennonite Church - the dove of God's spirit of peace. When you light it, know that your brothers and sisters in Canada are praying for you. We too will light candles and lamps for peace and healing.

Together, we will pray for God's kingdom to come on earth.

Together, we will pray for wisdom to prevail in high places; that the leaders of our nations may realize that the true role of any government is to act for the good of all.

Together we will pray for all who suffer, and for those who are bound by the evil of inflicting suffering.

May God's will be done. May peace and justice come to all. And may God's Spirit hold you and strengthen you in this time.

In the fellowship of Christ's peace,

Dan Nighswander, Executive Director
Mennonite Church Canada