Background
From the time of the Christian Crusades in the 11th-13th centuries and throughout history, wars have been fought in the various names of God/Allah. The current age is no exception, and humankind seems no better equipped to understand why this is. As culture, government, and religion become more complex, the struggle to comprehend issues of war from a Christian perspective becomes ever more complex as well. Since its founding over two centuries ago, the Methodist (now United Methodist) Church has generally adopted an anti-war stance, even as members of good conscience continue to differ on the details.
With its start in 2002, the War in Iraq has been controversial within the denomination causing an ongoing exploration of both the individual and institutional consciences. At the same time, there are some points of clear consensus; and within - or in spite of - areas of disagreement, we continue to see the work of Christ in action in the midst of suffering.
Where the United Methodist Church Stands
Since its founding, The United Methodist Church has struggled with the issue of war. Even so, there are certain principles for which there is agreement. Our United Methodist Book of Discipline (church law), contains this statement:
"We believe war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. We therefore reject war as an instrument of national foreign policy, to be employed only as a last resort in the prevention of such evils as genocide, brutal suppression of human rights, and unprovoked international aggression…."
Here are some other pertinent statements from the Social Principles from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church:
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"The first moral duty of all nations is to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them..." ( ¶ 165C, War and Peace)
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More recently, the United Methodist General Conference held in Pittsburgh in 2004 passed resolutions:
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Calling for prayer for peace and for our military personnel.
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Calling for a full investigation of the alleged abuse of prisoners of war in Iraq and for adherence to the rules of the Geneva Convention.
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Promotion of better relationships between Christians and Muslims based on understanding and respect for one another's beliefs.
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Condemnation of terrorism and repudiation of violence.
The World Community
"We commit ourselves as a Church to the achievement of a world community that is a fellowship of persons who honestly love one another. We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth of world community."
- ¶ 165 from the Social Principles in The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline, 2004
What We're Doing in This World
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said about social action, "The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social, no holiness but social holiness." He further explained his definition of holiness this way, "You cannot be holy except as you are engaged in making the world a better place. You do not become holy by keeping yourself pure and clean from the world but by plunging into ministry on behalf of the world's hurting ones."
From the beginning, our denomination has held the deep conviction that faith is not simply a private affair, but action in the world around us.
The United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) called for donations to Advance Special #623225 early on. Those funds are earmarked for humanitarian work in Iraq when current levels of violence and instability subside sufficiently for relief work to begin.
The Board of Church and Society, charged with the task of "seek[ing] the implementation of the Social Principles and other policy statements of the General Conference on Christian social concerns," has issued public statements calling for peace and withdrawal from Iraq, along with urging people to take action in support of H.J. Res 55. This bill, sponsored by Reps. Walter Jones (R-NC) and Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), is the first bipartisan effort to begin the process of bringing home U.S. troops from Iraq.
Many other UM-related agencies and organizations continue to find ways to promote the cause of peace and healing, such as:
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Thousands of United Methodists and UMC churches rang bells in June, 2006 in honor of the 2,500 American military volunteers and thousands of innocent civilians who had lost their lives in the war in Iraq to date.
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Seminary students at Wesley Theological Seminary have been holding vigils on All Saints Day each fall in Washington, D.C. lighting luminaries for each American killed in Iraq.
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