Rev. Steve Titus, general secretary
United Congregational Church of Southern Africa
The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) wishes to express its concern about the manner in which the United States (US) is handling the issue of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
The US and its allies are intent upon making war against Iraq at a time where the World Council of Churches has declared a decade to overcome violence. It is with urgent commitment that the UCCSA is "working to end all forms of violence and violation of people's human rights," thus in no uncertain terms condemns the warring language of President Bush and Mr. Toni Blair.
Confrontation, intimidation and the use of force has never worked before and will only lead to the execution of innocent civilians. It needs to be said that such actions undermine the integrity of the efforts of the United Nations.
In his irrational insistence to go to war Bush seems to forget that the US has more weapons of mass destruction than the rest of the world put together. The US has been looked upon throughout history as a country that works to set an example that the rest of the world can harmoniously follow. In an effort to promote world peace we feel that it is time for the non-aligned nations in the United Nations to stand together to influence the US to set an example to Iraq and the rest of humanity by disarming itself of weapons of mass destruction. It is time that all nations commit to guarantees that will offer peace and an end to mass weaponry.
Just as we applaud the USA for pledging a large sum of money to develop the African continent, we herewith express our strongest condemnation of their president's war plans. It is like walking with water in one hand and fire in the other. As members of Christ's body the UCCSA will continually be in prayer with the rest of humanity that is committed towards the development of world peace.
May the apostle Paul's words spoken to the early Roman church be as words for the leaders of the world today: "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible." (Romans 12:17-18, New living Translation)
