Death Toll Mounts in Iraq: How Can We Respond?

Rob Keithan, Director of the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy

On October 11, 2006, a study released  by The Johns Hopkins University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimated the number of Iraqi civilian deaths due to the US invasion of Iraq three years ago to be more than 650,000. Since the release of the report, the exact number has been debated, but the headlines from Iraq have been clear: people are dying every day. A Washington Post headline from October 23, 2006, told the story of fifteen Iraqi police recruits shot dead, twenty-five Iraqis injured, and twenty kidnapped as they traveled by bus to Baghdad. Four US troops were also killed, and October has become the deadliest month for US troops in over two years.

Based on extensive Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly resolutions on international relations, the UUA has opposed the pre-emptive, unilateral war in Iraq since its beginning. We mourn the ongoing violence that continues to claim so many Iraqi and American lives. Whether the death toll is 65,000 or 650,000, the War in Iraq—like the genocide in Darfur—is one of the most critical human rights issues of our time. Drawing on coalitions and partner organizations, the UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy has compiled a list of resources to help promote education, dialogue, and advocacy on issues related to the war. Resources include a Citizen's Toolkit from the Win Without War Coalition  (of which the UUA is a member) and several recently released documentary films.

UUA Washington Office for Advocacy Director Rob Keithan said, "As the war continues, it's increasingly evident that the attention of Americans—with many different perspectives—is focused on the continuing conflict overseas. Many Unitarian Universalists are moved to witness their beliefs, and congregations are holding public forums on the issues which are driving the U.S. public's attention during this pre-election period."

Keithan continued, "During election time, congregations can be active in many ways that are totally within the guidelines for nonprofits set by the IRS, including voter registration, voter education, and telling candidates what issues concern you. The Citizen's Toolkit on Iraq, among other things, includes a great list of questions to ask candidates."

The Washington Office for Advocacy also offers an extensive resource entitled The Real Rules: Congregations and IRS Guidelines On Advocacy, Lobbying, and Elections, which can further inform congregations of their appropriate role in involving themselves in timely issues of the day.

"IRS scrutiny is higher near elections, so it's important to know the rules," continued Keithan. "This is especially true for congregations without a track record of public education or action. A congregation can be active on issues and legislation so long as it avoids advocating for or against candidates or parties. It's OK to organize and speak out on an issue; it's not OK to be partisan."

Keithan concluded, "We know that the eyes of the country are focused on the war in Iraq. We do not all hold the same beliefs around our country's involvement in that conflict, or in the tactics being used to wage war. But we can all unite in our prayers for an end to the continuing violence." Keithan also noted that the UUA's new Peacemaking Congregational Study/Action Issue Resource Guide will be released (online) on November 1, providing another important document to aid congregations in their reflection on the war.

As UUA President Rev. William G. Sinkford wrote in his March 16, 2006, Prayer for Peace on the third anniversary of the war, "...we pray for our nation's leaders and for ourselves. May we have the courage and conviction to honestly engage the difficult questions; to speak hard truths, to accept our responsibility to each other and the world.
May we find the strength and vision to end the cycles of violence."

Additional Information:
UUA Statements: The War Against Iraq  

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