Peace
Conversations Group
Peace Conversations, a member of Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church’s
Social Action Council, began meeting in the fall of 2006 as a group of individuals
seeking to promote world peace. The war in Iraq emerged as a central concern
and that concern gained a sense of urgency when the fall election results
opened the door for change in U.S. policies and when the Baker-Hamilton bipartisan
commission urged diplomatic instead of military options. The Unitarian Universalist
Association had voted in opposition to the war in the summer of 2006 at General
Assembly and has since urged congregations to take local action to promote
an end to the war.
To answer that call and give voice to fundamental UU principles,
including
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- The goal of world community, with peace, liberty and justice for all,
the congregation passed on May 20, 2007 the following public witness statement.
Public Witness Statement
Whereas the nation of Iraq is trapped in the current cycle of violence following
the United States invasion and occupation;
Whereas peace and healing for Iraq will require innovative and persistent diplomacy,
along with diverse and imaginative support from other nations within the Middle
East and throughout the world;
Whereas Americans of faith can add their voices to the many calls for the United
States to transform its policies and practices in Iraq;
Whereas the Unitarian Universalist Association, at its 2006 General Assembly,
passed a resolution endorsing the “Declaration of Peace,” a nationwide,
interfaith, nonviolent, campaign of public witness endorsed by more than 30
religious and secular organizations;
Therefore Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist supports
public witness to call for:
1. The United States government to establish a definite timetable and deadline
for the complete withdrawal of all U. S. troops from Iraq;
2. Innovative and persistent international diplomacy, to include factions within
Iraq and Iraq’s neighbors in the Middle East;
3. Congressional oversight, with thorough and public investigation of the United
States’ conduct prior to and during the war; and
4. Thorough and sustained support for U.S. service men and women, veterans
and their families; and sustained humanitarian assistance for the people of
Iraq.
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Join Us
Peace Conversations meets
the second Sunday of each month in Summit House, Room 2. All are welcome. View
a list of our recent activities.
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