Afghanistan

Aid, Not War in Afghanistan
An Open Letter to the President from Religious Leaders

Dear Mr. President.

As your target date to begin U.S. troop withdrawals from Afghanistan approaches, we are compelled by the prophetic vision of just peace to speak. We represent a diversity of faith communities - ranging from just war to pacifist traditions. As leaders of these communities, some of us initially supported the war in Afghanistan as a justified response to the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. Others opposed the war, believing there were better ways than military force to address the al Qaeda threat. Today, however, we are united in the belief that it is time to bring the U.S. war in Afghanistan to an end.

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program published this post with a wealth of resources pastors and congregations can access for prayer, study, discussion, and reflection in the wake of the death of Osama Bin Laden.

http://presbyterian.typepad.com/peacemaking/2011/05/discussing-and-prayi...

On this day, reflecting on the death of Osama bin Laden during a U.S. military operation in Pakistan, we turn to Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome . . .

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

Training Day: March 25th. Special training for Presbyterians:
Compassion Peace and Justice: Church Models that Work
Location: New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC

by Roger Powers

by Roger Powers