Unitarian Universalists Prepare to Mark Tragic Milestone in Iraq War

The Second Unitarian Church of Omaha observed the death of more than 2,500 Americans in the Iraq war with a display of combat boots on their lawn.

June 15th brought news of the 2,500th U.S. military death in Iraq. This tragic milestone will be marked, as others before it, by the interfaith campaign "Ring in Remembrance," in which participating houses of worship ring their bells to honor the American dead and the thousands of innocent civilians who have lost their lives in this conflict. Since the designated "Ring in Remembrance" weekend—June 24-25—corresponds with the UUA's General Assembly in St. Louis, UUA President William G. Sinkford has announced that he will lead an observance at Sunday Morning Worship at General Assembly, and he encourages congregations around the country to participate as well.

Interested congregations can register their participation and learn more from the campaign's main sponsor, Faithful America . Congregations may wish to use Unitarian Universalist prayers including "Prayer for Peace on the Third Anniversary of the War in Iraq," by the Rev. William G. Sinkford; or "A Litany of Witness"  by the Rev. Kathleen McTigue.

Me mbers of the Second Unitarian Church in Omaha , Nebraska will mark U.S. and Iraqi deaths with a traveling exhibit sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, Omaha Friends, Nebraskans for Peace, and September 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows. On June 18th, 350 pairs of empty combat boots representing US military deaths and shoes representing Iraqi civilians will be laid out on the congregation's grounds. Me mbers of the congregation and coalition partners will hold a ceremony that includes a reading of the names of the fallen U.S. National Guard personnel and recognition of all others killed in Iraq.

In Washington, news of the 2,500 th U.S. death coincided with the first Congressional debate on Iraq since 2002. "Unfortunately," said UUA Washington Office Director Rob Keithan, "this debate is not the open hearing that was called for by a bi-partisan group  of Representatives and thousands of citizens. It's a shame that instead of a serious dialogue about one of the nation's—and world's—most important issues, the House leadership would only allow debate on a resolution supporting the Administration's approach to the War on Terror, with no possibility for amendments or alternatives. Given how concerned most Americans are about the war, I think we deserve more options than a rubber stamp on the present course."

A vote on this resolution is expected on Friday, June 16. The UUA Washington Office encourages concerned Unitarian Universalists to call their Representatives immediately and ask them to oppose H.Res.861 and ask for a real debate. Contact information for Members of Congress.

In the media:

• 6/18/06: Washington Post: "Fatal Inaction"  by April Witt

UUA Statements: The War Against Iraq

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