On September 10, Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, wrote to Alliance member churches and other partners in the USA.

"The pain and void left in the hearts of Americans by the [September 11] attacks and the ensuing deaths remain fresh in our memories," he said.

No less actual is the need for churches to be vigilant and to caution against responses which escalate violence, he emphasized.

"We need to raise the difficult questions that make it possible for our political leaders to choose options which bring life rather than increase death."

The full text of the letter follows.

Message to Alliance member churches and other partners in the USA

Dear friends,

This Wednesday marks the first anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. I write this to you, our member churches in the USA, to affirm the fact that we are with you in prayer as this day is commemorated. Indeed the pain and void left in the hearts of Americans by the attacks and the ensuing deaths remain fresh in our memories. We continue to pray for comfort especially for the affected families, and for wisdom as our churches minister to people in the face of such tragic events.

In my letter to you a year ago, after the attacks, I noted that in the face of these terrible inexcusable acts of violence, churches need to be vigilant and to caution against responses which will further escalate the violence. Such a caution is still relevant today. It is my hope and prayer that our member churches in the USA will be at the forefront of remaining faithful to God in honouring those whose lives were tragically cut short a year ago.

This may include the courage to caution people entrusted with political authority against any war which can only aggravate violence and insecurity in the world. Whether the target is Iraq or any other country, we need to raise the difficult questions that make it possible for our political leaders to choose options which bring life rather than increase death. Churches are in the best position to remind government leaders that increases in military expenses and other military solutions may not be the appropriate ways to address the complex economic and cultural roots of political violence.

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches takes this opportunity to express the fact that we stand together with you as your nation remembers the tragic events of last year, and we pray for God's strength and wisdom for you in your ministry in this crucial time in world history.

May God bless you,

Setri Nyomi