Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church

Resolution on the War in Iraq

Whereas, the prophet Micah reminds us that God "shall judge between many
peoples, and shall arbitrate strong nations far away," and calls nations to
"beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks,"
that nations will no longer "lift up sword against nation, and neither shall they
learn war any more" (Micah 4:3); and

Whereas, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church states that
"we deplore war" and "urge peaceful settlement of all disputes" (Para. 164G, The
Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2000); and,

Whereas, the continuing loss of Iraqi civilian lives, especially children,
and the increasing death toll among United States, coalition military and civilian
personnel in Iraq grieves the heart of God; and,

Whereas, the premises advanced by the United States government for engaging
in this war, namely, the presumption of weapons of mass destruction and alleged
connection between Al Qaeda and Iraq have not been verified; and,

Whereas, the cycle of violence in which the United States is engaged has
created a context for the denigration of human dignity and gross violations of human
rights of Iraqi prisoners of war;

Therefore, The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church:

1. Laments the continued warfare by the United States and coalition forces.

2. Prays for military personnel and their families who have sacrificed as a
result of this war and for a swift end to the destruction and violence raging in
Iraq.

3. Asks the United States government to request that the United Nations
become involved in the transition process to a new Iraqi government.

4. Requests the United Nations to establish a legitimate transitional
government of Iraq to maintain the peace and safeguard sustainable development efforts.

5. Calls for the rebuilding of Iraq and other nations in the Middle East
through a multinational development plan that honors the participation of the
peoples of the region and gives them hope for the future.

6. Invites United Methodists throughout the world to pray for a new era of
peace and to advocate for public policies that promote justice, life, and
reconciliation among adversaries.