United Methodist Church

Christian Century, Nov 21, 2001

* In their first statement since the September 11 terrorist attacks, bishops of the United Methodist Church expressed concern for "victimized peoples throughout the war" and delicately urged an end to military strikes against Afghanistan. Gathered in North Carolina for their semiannual meeting--before the Northern Alliance troops swept into Kabul--the leaders of President Bush's own denomination sought to find a middle path between addressing pastoral concerns and speaking against violence.

"We are extremely concerned for the thousands of people who live in fear and terror and those displaced by war and poverty," the bishops said. "We sincerely believe that every conceivable effort must be used to protect those who are innocent and most vulnerable." While not mentioning the current military campaign against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan, the bishops said they "believe that violence in all of its forms and expressions is contrary to God's purpose for the world. Violence creates fear, desperation, hopelessness and instability."