Like most Americans, I have been distressed by the reports of the evolving crisis in the Balkans. The tragic suffering of the Kosovo Albanians, caused by armed attacks and other forms of violence including "ethnic cleansing" conducted by Yugoslav security forces, compels the international community to respond. I regret that military action has largely replaced diplomacy.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is helping to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the vast number of refugees in need throughout the region. Members of our church have been responding generously through the ELCA's International Disaster Response to enable our partners, such as Action by Churches Together and Lutheran World Relief, to meet the urgent needs of those fleeing the brutality inflicted upon them. I appeal to all of our members to continue to provide resources for the care of the refugees. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is advocating for hospitality within the international community on the refugees' behalf and has pledged to work with our government to assist those for whom the United States has agreed to provide safe haven.
The ELCA's 1995 social statement, "For Peace in God's World," notes that "while we support the use of nonviolent measures, there may be no other way to offer protection in some circumstances than by restraining forcibly those harming the innocent." The statement calls upon us to make opposition to "genocide and other grievous violations of human rights" a priority. However, it also urges "nations to provide leadership, education, structures and funds for the peaceful resolution of conflict. Nations should do so with the same commitment that they prepare people to settle disputes with military force."
At a time when it is easy to demonize the enemy, let us remember that all people, everywhere, have been created in God's image. In this Easter season, in which we affirm Jesus' promise of life in all its fullness, we pray for all nations affected by this conflict. We appeal to all persons of good will to continue to help the afflicted. In hope for justice and peace, we call upon all the parties to refrain from public posturing, to halt the violence and to return to the negotiating table.
The Rev. H. George Anderson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Chicago
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
