Social agency urges United Methodists to ask Congress to negotiate, not attack Syria

Translate Page

An action alert has been issued by the Peace with Justice unit of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, asking church members to call on Congress to oppose a U.S. military attack on Syria and support “vigorous peace negotiations” instead.

Mark Harrison, church and society executive, noted that “only a political solution to the conflict in Syria will end the suffering of its people” and cited the United Methodist Social Principles, which declare war to be “incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ.”

Church and Society’s U.N. Office also is sponsoring a peace vigil against military action on Syria from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 6 in the chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations. Co-sponsors include United Methodist Women, the Mennonite Central Committee, U.N. Office, and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.

Other church leaders have expressed concern over how to respond to Syria’s use of chemical weapons on its own people. The Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, top executive of the World Council of Churches, sent an open letter to the U.N. Security Council, also opposing military intervention.

Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, Ecumenical Officer of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, was among 24 Christian faith leaders who signed a July 13 letter asking President Barack Obama not to pursue military force against Syria.

Bishop Grant Hagiya of the Greater Northwest episcopal area has encouraged United Methodists to heed Pope Francis’ invitation and spend Sept. 7 in prayer and fasting for peace in Syria.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief and Church World Service have been working through partner agencies for months to address critical needs of Syrian refugees, who are now leaving the country at a rate of 5,000 a day, according to new information from the United Nations.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Poverty
Loaves of bread will help provide financial support for women in Sierra Leone. Screengrab courtesy of United Women in Faith, by UM News.

Bakery supports women in Sierra Leone

A bakery financed by United Women in Faith will provide economic opportunities for women in Sierra Leone. “The bakery is a legacy that will be profitable to the women today and to generations to come.”
Poverty
Urs Schweizer.  Photo courtesy of author.

When the poor share what they have

An agricultural program initiated by the United Methodist Church in Albania to help those struggling economically led to an inspiring act of charity.
General Church
Dr. David W. Scott. Photo © Hector Amador.

The many meanings of connectionalism

Church divisions have raised a host of questions about what it means to be connected, prompting a new look at this basic characteristic of Methodist community.