Presbyterian Clerk Kirkpatrick urges Bush to pursue new security strategy

[El Supremo]

Lest you think that all major American churches are supporters of Bush, read this end of his letter to Bush:

We fear for Iraq, and for its people, both now and in the future. We also feel that the United States, the present occupying military power, should be held responsible for both the present and the future. For the present, under international conventions, it has the obligation to provide security for the civilian population. This is not happening, Mr. President. As for the sake of the future of that country and its entire people, the United States should have the moral courage to acknowledge now that the war it has launched last year has been unwise, and to turn to the United Nations vigorously seeking its immediate intervention, to restore law, order, civility and peace and to complete the work of creating a viable, constitutional, fully representative democracy.

We call on you, Mr. President, to alter the course of your policy and to take swift steps to bring about the necessary transformation to which all the people of Iraq aspire, beginning with giving your immediate attention to the security situation for all Iraqi citizens.

You can be assured of our constant prayers that you may be granted the required wisdom and courage to face the urgency of choosing a different path, recognizing that the memory of history will honor those who, with humility, seek the ways of peace.

The whole article is here:
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2004/04549.htm

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. Many churches have vigourously opposed miniHitler.

[Tempest]

3. Bush's own church opposed him

The pastor of his church wrote him, all to no avail.

[Just Me]

2. The radical elements cannot hijack Christianity from Christians.

Thank God the best are taking a stand against the worst.

[Cheswick2.0]

4. I have been very happy with their policy on Palestine/Israel issues too

I am happy that my church...even though I want it to be more liberal on Gay rights issues, is dealing with the middle east in a very humane and logical manner.

[Ilsa]

5. He stopped reading when he got to the phrase

"...turn to the United Nations vigorously seeking its intervention..." Those John Birch Society-fundie types don't have much appreciation for the UN.

BTW, this makes me proud to be a Presbyterian.

[HockeyMom]

6. Mass

For YEARS the priests have been asking for prayers for the Unborn. Last week I almost fell over in the pew when the priest said, "Please pray for the BORN and the Unborn." WELL, IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!

[checks-n-balances]

7. The denominational fundies will probably tar & feather him like always

He is relentlessly attacked by the RW faction of the PCUSA, but that hasn't stopped him. I appreciate his speaking out, not only for what he says, but for being another type of Christian than all the "bad apples" who get all the publicity.

[Cornjob]

8. Thank you PCUSA!

Although we may have many diverse opinions, we are a church with a heart and soul.

You have said it well.

Today I am a proud Presbyterian Elder.