Published September 20, 2002 in the Portland, ME Newspapers A Letter to the Editor from The Maine Council of Churches *

We, the Maine Council of Churches' Board of Directors, informed by the Christian teaching on the power of love and non-violent struggle, wish to go on record as strongly opposing a unilateral military attack on Iraq by the United States.

Such an attack cannot be justified, even under the Just War Theory: we have not exhausted the alternatives to war and there is insufficient evidence that current circumstances are causing more suffering than a war would impose.

Given that Iraq is a threat not only to the U.S. but also to many nations, the only body with the authority to initiate military action against such an international threat is the United Nations.

Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that "violence multiplies violence, adding darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." May we as a nation seek solutions that bring light to our world, not darkness.

We endorse the stated positions of Senators Collins and Snowe and Representatives Allen and Baldacci in their opposition to US unilateral action against Iraq, and we will support them on this stand.

We invite other religious bodies and all Maine residents to join us in our concern, and to pray for a just and nonviolent resolution to this threat of war.

Margrethe Brown, President
Thomas C. Ewell, Executive Director
On Behalf of the Board of the Maine Council of Churches

*Unitarian Universalist congregation of Maine are members of the MCC

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100