Episcopal Church on the War in Iraq

The Episcopal Church has received a lot of criticism- from its own members and clergy and from the broader Christian community- over the issue of gay priests and bishops. Many- again, both in and outside the Episcopal church- seem ill at ease with the issue of women priests and bishops.

Lost in this debate has been the issue of the Episcopal Church's stand on the war in Iraq. The General Convention made a very clear statement, from which I will quote below (hat tip: Father Jake).

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church affirm the conclusion of the October 1, 2002 letter of the House of Bishops to members of Congress, stating that the conditions of the “Just War” tradition have not been met in the national government’s decision to attack the nation of Iraq;

Resolved, That the General Convention of The Episcopal Church call upon the Congress and the President to immediately develop for implementation a plan for the stabilization of Iraq, to be followed by the prompt withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces...

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention, as a community of faith committed to reconciliation and nonviolence taught in the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, direct the Presiding Bishop and the Executive Council to encourage wide use of Christian formation materials that stress nonviolent methods to conflict resolution and change;

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention call upon all Episcopalians as an act of penitence, to oppose and resist through advocacy, protest, and electoral action the continuation of the war in Iraq, and encourage the President and Congress to take proactive steps to end our participation as soon as possible.

Its is good to belong to a church which recognizes the fundamental message of Jesus that all Christians should cling to above all else: LOVE.

GP