Rev. Dr. James Moos' Letter to the Editor in Support of SCR 4022
The war in Iraq isn't merely a political issue, it's a faith issue. With more churches per capita than any other state, North Dakotans understand the importance of faith. Many citizens feel a tension between faith convictions and patriotic duty. We feel obligated to support our country in time of war. But let's not assume that making war is a greater civic duty than making peace.
As a 22 year veteran of the United States Air Force, I too have patriotic ideals. As a retired reserve chaplain, I too support the troops. But inserting thousands more troops into the midst of ever escalating sectarian violence isn't support — it's a descent into despair. The present course of action would guarantee that more of our soldiers and marines will die, more will be maimed, more will be inflicted with psychological trauma that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. They have sacrificed enough. Let's bring them home.
Some have declared that opposition to continuing and escalating the war is bad for troop morale and only emboldens our enemies. Shall we then label Jesus Christ insensitive for pronouncing the peacemakers blessed? Or was Pope John Paul II de-stabilizing when he condemned war and used peaceful means to help liberate Eastern Europe from Communism?
We are created in the image of God, but war diminishes that image. Meeting violence with violence ultimately recreates us into the image of our enemies. Courageous visions of peace grounded in justice are our best and only hope for the future.
Indeed, faith calls us to hope. Many North Dakotans now step forward to raise our voices in hope that another path will be taken, the path of peace. This is why we support SCR 4022, North Dakota's Peace Resolution, which honors the bravery and sacrifice of our troops, while calling upon our national leaders to bring them home.
Rev. Dr. James Moos
Pastor, Bismarck United Church of Christ
221 W. Ave. F
Bismarck, ND 58501