A Statement on Impending War
Against Iraq

Last night, March 6th, I heard portions of President Bush's press conference and the following analysis by the news teams. Such a press conference by our Commander-in-Chief usually signals that we are within days of sending our troops into harm's way. This morning I heard portions of the reports from Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei to the United Nations Security Council. The debate among the Security Council members continues as I write this.

All agree that Saddam Hussein is an evil, ruthless and self-serving ruler. He has demonstrated a willingness to stay in power at any cost, including the murder of his own family members as well as the murdering and torturing and abusing of his own people. All agree that Saddam must be disarmed.

But at this point the international community loses unanimity. Many voices passionately cry out for a peaceful resolution that will continue the disarmament process. Others respond by saying that without the imminent threat of force, there will be no cooperation and disarmament. And military strategists have known for centuries that you cannot offer the threat of war if you are not willing to pull the trigger. So it appears that we are on the precipice of war.

Our Free Methodist Book of Discipline offers three brief paragraphs on War and Peace (Paragraph A.332). Therein we protect the right of our young men and women to register as "conscientious objectors" to war (Paragraph A/332.3). Over the course of our history as a denomination, we have had young men and women exercise this right based on their personal conviction.

At the same time, Free Methodist men and women have worn the uniform, gone into battle, and at times even laid down their lives for the cause of our country. We have Free Methodists today who are serving in our military forces, placed strategically along the battle lines awaiting orders to advance. We have chaplains who will also be in harm's way in order to bring a pastoral presence to our troops as they engage in mortal combat.

As Free Methodists, we acknowledge that we will not always agree within even our own community on the question of war. Some will argue that at times war becomes just and necessary. I do not remember the source, but I agree with the person who said that war may at times be a necessary evil, but we should always remember that war is evil. There is no such thing as a precise and sterile war. Even for the most just of causes, innocent people will be affected and lives will be sacrificed. And each war must be carefully studied in light of its own circumstances.

But what of this war at this time? I invite you to join me in prayer:

1. For the kingdom of God, introduced by Jesus, but not yet fully present. Let us be a people of the kingdom (I Peter 2:9).
2. That we will seek to be at peace with all men, remembering that one day a multitude will be gathered before the heavenly throne from every nation, tribe, people and language (Revelation 7:9).
3. That we will be divinely able to love even our enemy. Let us pray for those who bring injustice and evil (Matthew 5:44).
4. For the soldiers and sailors entrusted with the battle plan.
5. For the chaplains who will bring the presence of the Great Shepherd into the den of the forces of evil.
6. For the innocent who will fearfully hope that this will soon pass, that their loved ones will be safe and that life will one day be different.

Roger W. Haskins, Jr. - Bishop
March 7, 2003