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Statement on Iraq from Churches Together in Oxfordshire
We greet the news that the government has commited our troops to war with Iraq, and that hostilities have already begun, with a profound sense of sadness. We have questioned whether the momentous course of action, without UN sanction, can achieve lasting peace and justice in the region. But now our prayers must be that the war will be swiftly over, with the minimum loss of life and that a lasting settlement can be rapidly achieved in the region. Many families from our area have family members engaged in the conflict and we pray for their wellbeing and safety. We also urge Christians to pray for the safety of the innocent citizens of Iraq who are caught up in the conflict. We are deeply concerned about the effect of the conflict on community relations here. We pray that the dialogue and growing understanding between people of all faiths can be strengthened as we work together for peace.
Revd Adrian Bulley, United Reformed Church Moderator, Wessex Synod
Revd Alison Tomlin, Chair of the Oxford and Liecester district of the Methodist Church
Rt Revd Bishop Colin Fletcher, Bishop of Dorchester, Church of England
Rt Revd Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia, Greek Orthodox Church, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Rt Revd Bishop Basil of Sergievo, Russian Orthodox Church, Moscow Patriarchate
Very Revd Canon Thomas Farrell, Episcopal Vicar Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham
Very Revd Mgr John Nelson, Epsicopal Vicar Roman Catholic Diocese of Protsmouth
Bede Gerrard, County Ecumenical Officer, Oxfordshire
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CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM LEADERS IN EAST OXFORD VALUE THEIR COLLABOR
As a group of Christian and Muslim leaders in East Oxford, we have been meeting regularly since 11 September 11 last year. We have been listening to each other and to the variety of feelings and reactions within our respective communities, not least at the public meeting on 11 November when Andrew Smith MP responded to 'East Oxford Questions the War' in Afghanistan.
We have discovered that there are many beliefs we share, not least the message of our prophets that the one eternal God we worship is a merciful peace-bringer who desires justice for all, especially for the most vulnerable people. In particular, we have listened to one another in regard to the tragic and horrible events of recent weeks in the Holy Land. God is not a respecter of political boundaries imposed by human powers, but works in all nations through people who respect Him to bring peace with justice. No religion authorizes the deliberate killing of civilians or the wanton destruction of property.
We share the belief that the way ahead in the Holy Land now urgently requires the creation of two separate, independent states each controlling its own territory, living alongside each other in full mutual respect and freedom. We therefore plead with the UK government and all others to do their utmost to bring about such a solution.
We long also to see an East Oxford in which every resident, of whatever background, faith or social standing, feels free and encouraged to make their own unique contributions to building a total community in justice and peace. We ourselves are committed to this goal, and are trying to work towards it. If any readers of this statement have a suggestion or comment about how this can be better realised, any one of us will be happy to receive it.
Signed, 30 April 2002
(Imam) Amir Khan, The Central Oxford Mosque, Bath Street;
(Revd) Adam Romanis, Vicar, Cowley St John; (Fr) John Cavanagh, Parish Priest, Greyfriars; (Revd) Dick Wolff, Minister, Temple Cowley United Reformed Church; (Revd) William Booker, Minister,
Cowley Road Methodist Church; Sabir Hussein Mirza,
305 Cowley Road, Chairman of Pakistan Welfare Society;
Martin Conway, 303 Cowley Road, Chairman of Oxford Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility
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