Round up of Faith Based Statements on Syria

From: Jean Stokan, Director, Institute Justice Team, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

Below is a compilation of some of the faith group statements opposing military action in Syria—not exhaustive.  Most, if not all, are very vigorously engaging grassroots/members in calling Members of Congress, promoting letters to the editor, vigils, etc.  Also a link follows to a compelling  letter from Trappist Nuns in Syria: “Blood Fills our Streets, our eyes, our hearts”  (http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Blog/2538/a_letter_from_trappist_nuns_in_syria_blood_fills_our_streets_our_eyes_our_heart.aspx#.UiOiqGSDR7P).

–          Pope Francis: violence begets violence http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/09/03/syria-pope-francis-war-begets-war-violence-begets-violence-calls-for-peace-for-syria/

–          Pax Christi International:  http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/08/29/statement-dialogue-is-the-only-way-towards-an-end-of-the-violence-in-syria/

–          Pax Christi USA:  http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/08/31/syria-war-is-still-a-defeat-for-humanity/ (links to US Bishops and Pope’s statements on web site)

–          US Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-157.cfm

–          Sisters of Mercy of the Americas:  www.sistersofmercy.org

–          NETWORK: National Catholic Social Justice Lobby: www.networklobby.org

–          Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns and action items from CMSM, incl.  Syrian bishop speaking out against U.S. Military Action: http://maryknollogc.org/alerts/urge-congress-dont-attack-syria

–          NCR Article:  What moral theologians say about getting involved in Syriahttp://ncronline.org/news/global/what-moral-theologians-say-about-getting-involved-syria

–          Sojourners:  http://sojo.net/blogs/2013/08/29/syria-we-must-use-moral-compass-guide-our-moral-outrage

–          Pax Christi USA:  http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/08/31/syria-war-is-still-a-defeat-for-humanity/ (links to US Bishops and Pope’s statements on web site)

–          Mennonite Church USA:  http://www.mennoniteusa.org/?s=syria&x=0&y=0 and http://washingtonmemo.org/category/issues/middle-east-issues/

–          United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ:  http://globalministries.org/news/mee/churches-address-president.html and http://www.ucc.org/news/syria-refugees-08022013.html

–          Presbyterians (PCUSA): http://www.pcusa.org/news/2013/8/30/stated-clerk-issues-statement-wake-escalating-viol/

Also, FYI, today in Nicaragua, US volunteers/missioners there are holding a demonstration outside the US Embassy…joining the international outcry.