From the Disciples General Minister and President

A Word from Richard L. Hamm

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, since as members of one body you were called to peace." Col. 3:15

As our country continues to move toward engaging in war in Iraq, we should be reminded of these words of Paul's. We are indeed called to peace. While I know the issues surrounding Iraq and its leaders divide our country, our congregations and for some, our own hearts, I pray for peace. I pray for the people of Iraq who are suffering and will bear even more sorrow should war come to their doorsteps. I pray for our military personnel, our sons and daughters that are called to service. I especially lift up our chaplains who have converted desert bunkers to baptismal pools, and are ministering in the midst of war preparations. I pray for those whose lives have been disrupted or put on hold as we wait. I pray for our administration and world leaders as they struggle with decisions that will have profound effects around the entire globe.

Beyond the tensions with Iraq, it is my hope that our current administration would turn its attention to establishing peace and justice between Israel and Palestine and to opening dialogue with Muslim leaders around the world. I believe we have squandered the good will that the world community felt toward the United States immediately after 9-11 by insisting that we have the right to unilaterally shape the world through military action. Why is it now that even friends and allies perceive the United States, as "arrogant and ignorant?"

I still hold out hope for diplomatic solutions in Iraq, as I do not believe that all alternatives to a direct military action against that nation have yet been fully explored. I believe such military action could generate more hostility and terrorists than we can imagine.

As you think and pray about the war, I want you to know where I stand because it is not primarily a political issue, but a moral and ethical one. I have actively engaged with other leaders of churches to raise important questions around the march toward war. In August 2002, while attending the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, I helped draft a letter on behalf of all the Central Committee participants from the U.S., Canada and the UK. In that gathering, we felt a special responsibility since it has been primarily President Bush and Prime Minister Blair who have advocated for a military solution. I helped draft the Central Committee's own statement regarding Iraq. In addition, I have been a signatory to letters to the President (including those from the National Council of Churches and the Churches for Middle East Peace), spent a day visiting U.S. Senators, and have written several personal letters to the President and my own senators and representatives.

"...If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12: 20-21

I harbor no illusions about Saddam Hussein or his dictatorship. I do believe that there is evil in this world. But I pray we can overcome evil with good. While I respect the right of other Disciples to disagree with me about how to bring about peace, I hope every Disciple will be praying for peace with me. I also hope that you will make your views known to your Congressional Representatives and the President.

Grace and peace, Richard L. "Dick" Hamm