Revision of Bell Street Chapel antiwar resolution
December 8, 2008
The Bell St. Chapel Parish and Social Concerns Committee has been working on a revision of the antiwar resolution passed by the congregation prior to the Iraq invasion. Here is what we plan to present for approval to the entire congregation at its January meeting:
“As Unitarian Universalists we hold to the goal of a world community with peace, liberty and justice for all. In following that belief, our congregation called on our national leaders in January of 2003, “…to use creative, peaceful means to resolve conflict with Iraq, to stand with other nations in the international community who are working for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, to support the international promotion of human rights and to cease advocating preemptive war.” Unfortunately, our leaders chose a different path; one which has cost many thousands of lives, billions of dollars and created reason for the world to question our moral judgment. Six years later this war continues, without compelling justification.
“Therefore, the Religious Society of Bell Street Chapel calls on the United States of America to begin military withdrawal from Iraq with deliberate speed. We further urge our national leaders to use creative, peaceful means including proactive diplomacy to resolve both current and future conflicts throughout the world. Our country needs to stand with other nations in the international community who are working toward peace; to support the international promotion of human rights; and to reject policies of preemptive war. We support the members of our congregation who are taking public stands for peace and encourage them to witness for our religious community.”
We invite all members and friends to come to the Parish and Social Concerns Committee meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish House. There, we anticipate a lively discussion to make any changes to this resolution before presenting it for a vote at a congregational meeting in January. Please come and make your voice heard on this important matter.
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