“Blessed are the peacemakers…”

A word to the churches

from the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Council of Churches

at the season of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace

As Christians at home and abroad commemorate the coming of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we find ourselves on the threshold of yet another war. Many religious leaders, official church bodies, and ecumenical organizations have joined a growing chorus of those who urge restraint. Most raise serious questions about whether credible evidence has been provided, and whether all reasonable alternatives have been pursued, to justify military action against Iraq by the United States of America. They commend use of the evaluative process established through the United Nations.

These are indeed trying times. The threat of terrorism and efforts to combat it continue. The tragic situation in the Middle East seems to defy peaceful resolution. Our faith calls us to prayerful consideration of our responsibilities as Christians who are citizens of a very powerful nation. Many Christians are finding it difficult to talk with each other about this issue within our congregations and with our Christian neighbors.

The Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Council of Churches has developed the following questions to help guide members of congregations in their deliberations.

• We have to reflect concretely about this situation—not only about war in general, but also about the possibility of this war. Does it fit into the providence of the God we know through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit? Why or why not? What does God as Creator, Redeemer, and Reconciler have to say about this situation? How should we interpret the churches’ ministry under the providence of God at this particular time?
   
• How do we draw on the resources of Scripture to help us discern answers to these questions?
   
• As children of God created in God’s image, what are our responsibilities as stewards of the resources of the earth, both human and material? How can we live so that all may benefit?
   
• Who are our brothers and sisters? What are our responsibilities to them?
   
• If the nature of peace is being-in-God, and if peace-making is brought about by a reconciling spirit as Christ came to reconcile the world with God, can we agree that peace is our aim? What is the best way to promote peace in this situation?
   
• What redemptive ministries can the churches exercise in this situation? Who are the people who need our loving care? How can we minister to them?

We hope these questions, and others you may discover as you reflect together, will enable your congregation to have a positive discussion about these challenging questions during this season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.

The members of the Massachusetts Council of Churches believe that a fundamental unity binds us together; yet at the same time, Christians can embrace differing views on particular ethical questions.

The situation continues to develop and change. The recent, unanimous action by the United Nations Security Council, with information provided by UN weapons inspectors, provide an evolving context for our reflections on the legitimacy of military action. Experiences in other contexts show us that restraint, in and of itself, even when coupled with broad international agreement, does not guarantee a peaceful or just resolution to the current crisis. Recognizing this reality provides a common ground for all Christians, in the name of the Prince of Peace, to redeem this time and to press for alternatives that give negotiations room to operate effectively.

We therefore call on all of our member-churches:

• To reaffirm our belief that violence is the last option for Christians who believe that every human life is precious in the sight of God;
   
• To continue to pray for peace and work for justice at home and abroad;
   
• To continue listening for the guidance of the Scriptures, Christian tradition, and the stirrings of the Spirit;
   
• To deepen our knowledge about and respect for other religions and cultures;
   
• To affirm acts of conscience as coming from the common source of the faithfulness to our Christian calling; and
   
• To increase our support for Christian relief agencies and refugee resettlement.

As children of God, we have been given freedom. Pray that we will use it in humility and in faithfulness to each other through Christ our Savior. Having done so, let us make our voices heard and our actions reflective of our duties as Christian citizens, remembering that we are part of a broader fellowship that knows no boundaries. We long for the day the prophets promised when the lion will be able to lie down with the lamb and we will be able to beat our swords into plowshares. As we welcome Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, into our hearts afresh during this Christmas season, we continue to pray “Thy will be done on earth…”


12-18-02