US faith groups condemn US aggression towards Iran

Tori Bateman (left) was one of the CPTers who participated in the National Day of Action in Washington, DC

Source: CPT

Twenty three faith groups have signed the following statement condemning US aggression towards Iran:

We call on the Trump administration to end military escalation, and on Congress to refuse authorization for war with Iran.

As people of faith, we condemn the United States' dangerous aggression towards Iran, including the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani and the deployment of additional troops to the region. We urge the Administration to step back from the brink of war. Our faith communities see the futility of war, and its power to dehumanize. We know that human flourishing entails breaking cycles of violence, being courageous peacemakers, and focusing on the root causes of conflict. Violent conflict is a path of mutual destruction.

Instead, all actors must move forward in a way that upholds our shared, sacred human dignity:

All parties must begin by re-humanizing each other without excusing unjust and violent actions.

The US Administration must halt violent attacks and military escalations. It must return to a diplomatic process, recognizing that lasting peace requires a commitment to the shared well-being of every human, from Iran to the United States and everywhere in between.

The US Congress must act to reassert its war powers by refusing authorization for war with Iran and related attacks, and to block funding for war with Iran.

US actions and strategy in the region must address the root causes of the conflict, such as distrust, trauma, economic resources, and political influence.

All of us must support nonviolent creative actions of resistance to any unjust and violent actions.

As communities of faith, we renounce the escalation of violence, and call on the United States to work towards lasting peace with Iran.

Signed,

American Friends Service Committee

Center on Conscience and War

Christian Peacemaker Teams

Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy Churches for Middle East Peace

Coalition for Peace Action

Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach Conference of Superiors of Men (Catholic)Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, US Provinces Faith in Public Life

Franciscan Action Network

Friends Committee on National LegislationLeadership Conference of Women Religious

Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

Mennonite Central Committee U.S.

National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund

Presbyterian Church (USA)

Provincial Council Clerics of St. Viator

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas- Institute Leadership Team Unitarian Universalist Association

United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries

The United Methodist Church - General Board of Church and Society