C-Mail
Today I just read the article about Bishop Sprague and other United Methodist leaders being arrested near the White House during a peaceful demonstration against the war with Iraq [Nation & World, April 11 issue]. I feel compelled to write this letter because I think there is another way to look at this war our country is engaged in from a Christian point of view. I believe that most of us United Methodists are peace-loving people who would hope that we would never need to go to war. But even in the social principles of our church we say that we “deplore war,” but “we also acknowledge that most Christians regretfully realize that, when peaceful alternatives have failed, the force of arms may be preferable to unchecked aggressions, tyranny and genocide.”
Not long after the September 11, 2001 tragedy, Bishop Timothy Whitaker of the Florida Area, The United Methodist Church, wrote what I believe was an open letter to the people in the Florida Conference. In that letter he talked about how dangerous it would be if our nation and other nations of the world ignored the threat of this kind of barbarism and suggested that the government of the United States and the governments of other nations should work together to arrest terrorists and dismantle their organization by using diplomacy, control of financial exchanges, and other measures that are as peaceful as possible. Then he said if none of those measures work they may also have to fulfill their office of restraining evil by using force to execute justice against those who have perpetrated acts of barbarism.
Bishop Whitaker goes on to say that if force has to be used, then it must be exercised with deliberation and wisdom, and according to the tradition of teaching about a “just war,” a war is waged justly if it meets at least three primary conditions. First, it must be waged by a legitimate power. Second, its cause must be just and right. Third, just methods must be used. He closes that paragraph by saying, “Because our leaders and all of us are fallible human beings and sinners, it is very difficult for us ever to wage a ‘just war’ in every respect. May the Lord of history and the judge of all humanity have mercy on us and guide us in the difficult days to come so that to the best of our ability we may do what is just in a just way.”
I appreciate Bishop Whitaker sharing that “other” perspective because that’s where I find myself. More than anything, I desire peace, but I am thankful that we have leadership in the White House that daily seeks the wisdom and guidance that comes from God and I trust that he knows a lot more about the situation of our country and, in fact, what the whole world faces than most of us do. So, just as many, many other Christians, I support him and all our leaders with prayer as well as those servicemen and women who are over there risking their lives for this cause. And I am so thankful that ultimately we are in God’s hands.
Jean Henderson
Wesley Memorial UMC
Chattanooga District
Every time Bishop Sprague makes the news, he seems to be out of step with the majority of United Methodists. His arrest along with other protesters was an example, as he certainly does not represent me. If there ever was a just war, this war against the Saddam regime is just. Our president has pointed out several reasons, and his reasons are proving to be correct. We can see the joy of the people as they realize they are no longer subject to the Saddam regime. War is sometimes just, necessary, and not always a defeat for humanity. Those Methodists arrested near the White House are not representative of the Methodist Church and gives our church a disgraceful image. Are there others who think so?
Charles Oakes
Allen Memorial UMC
Cleveland District
As I read the article about Bishop Joseph Sprague and his fellow protesters arrested in Washington Lafayette Park, I mused that people of that caliber would not have the foresight to obtain a permit prior to organizing their protest against the war in Iraq.
It's interesting that all people will agree that war is not a good thing. No one really ever wants to go to war unless they are (1) power hungry and want to obtain more territory, or (2) they see a great injustice or threat and they go to defend those who do not have the means to defend themselves. From what I have read and heard about President Bush, I believe he falls into the latter category. The Council of Bishops, on the other hand, appear to be out of touch with reality. People being tortured, kept under severe oppression by a harsh dictator, and going without the necessities of life while their leaders lead a life of luxury seem to be good reasons to go and help them.
Our brave young men and women went to help free the people of Iraq while several of our United Methodist Church leaders tried to convince President Bush that we should continue with diplomacy and peace. This ploy has been going on since the last war. The leaders of Iraq ignored the treaty, horded food supplied for the people of Iraq, and continued to scoff at the UN. I can fully understand why President Bush did not want to meet with these people. I wouldn't want to meet with them either. The last time I checked, the price of freedom is costly. It’s always been that way and it always will. The freedom they enjoy by voicing their opinions was won by young men and women who fought and died to keep that freedom alive. If we would have had the kind of leadership from the United Methodist Council of Bishops, Board of Church and Society, and others listed in your article, our army might still be wearing "red coats."
God does not ignore sin, He takes action. We should not ignore sin either. We should take action just as the good Samaritan did and not walk on the other side of the road and ignore the situation at hand.
Barry Kimsey
Chapel Hill UMC
Chattanooga District
Hiwassee College has recently begun a community campaign that is making great beginnings possible for so many people in this region. The “Hope and a Future” program is raising not only money that Hiwassee needs to operate but raising awareness of the local and global mission of the college. It’s amazing to see the diversity of people who have come to Monroe County to call Madisonville home for two years and develop both academically and spiritually. The impact of Hiwassee College not only has regional significance, it also has changed the world as well. Its uniquely Christian mission has opened minds and doors of opportunity for thousands of people to follow their calling in life. Hiwassee does not have to be a big college; its size makes it easy for many students to develop in their first two years. However, it should have the resources needed to prepare every student for future endeavors. “Hope and a Future” is much more than another fundraising campaign; it’s a statement of what Hiwassee provides not only for Monroe County but the entire world. I strongly recommend Hiwassee to any young person looking to have hope for a better future.
Tony Burgess
Trinity UMC
Hiwassee College Class of 1992
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our chaplains from Holston now serving in the military. I was honored and flattered by the recent article covering some of the aspects of my experience and call to military chaplaincy [“Military chaplain from Holston,” March 28 issue]. However, I remain impressed and thankful for the many other military chaplains from Holston who have served with distinction for many years. I have gained vital lessons from their ministry and service. Through the lives and ministries of these men and women, our military has been enriched and souls have been touched for all eternity.
I am also thankful for the many young men and women from Holston who serve throughout our military. Regardless of our views on the war, there are many of our members who are serving faithfully to defend our nation and our freedom in all military branches. Let us continue to pray for them and for their safe return to their families.
Ch. (Capt.) David B. Knight Jr.
Eglin Air Force Base
Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
----------
Send your letter to the editor and/or join in the online discussion.
top |
|
