Dear Editor:
We are clergy in the Unitarian and Universalist traditions. Every person – from Tehran to Ossining- has the right to thrive with dignity and compassion. Our tradition teaches democracy is sacred.
War must always be a last resort, and, even if necessary, is evil. War means unleashing violence and destruction, particularly for the elders, the poor and young people. War means allocating time, talent, and treasure to bombs, bullets, landmines, drones, killing, & destruction, instead of to education, farms, senior centers, public transit, energy infrastructure, the arts, or peaceful scientific research.
In our tradition, some are pacifists, some are advocates for the necessity of defensive war to protect the land and people of the US, and others focus on humanitarian relief in conflict and crisis.
In our country, a state of war is only able to be declared by authorization from Congress, following robust public discussion and debate. That authorization did not occur before the US launched the current war in Iran. We implore our elected representatives to Congress to demand oversight and accountability for the loss of civilian life.
We mourn the loss of loved ones in the ongoing war from Israel to Iran, and the deaths of American, Bahraini, Iraqi, Israeli, Lebanese, Palestinian, Emirati, Omanian, Kuwaiti, and Iranian people, including school children, service members, and many more. As citizens, we must ask, who will be held accountable for authorizing the bombing of an Iranian school? The American attack on Iran and the Iranian attacks across the entire region have not led to the groundwork for a peaceful, stable and free Middle East. Innocent people are being killed. Diplomacy must be restored.
We have profound respect for those who pledge to defend our people and the constitution from all threats foreign and domestic. We grieve that this current war will send parents and neighbors to conflict zones far away with unclear objectives. We pray for justice for the American people, and all people everywhere.
Source of Life, inspire us to repair harms and build for a better world. The next quarter of the 21st Century does not need to be as violent and war torn as the first.
In the search for truth,
Rev. Arlin Roy, First Unitarian Society of Westchester
Rev. Emily De Tar Birt, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester
Rev. Daniel Lawlor, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hudson Valley
Rev. Danielle Lindstrom, Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains
Rev. Emily De Tar Birt, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester
Rev. Daniel Lawlor, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hudson Valley
Rev. Danielle Lindstrom, Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains
Rev. Mark Cutolo, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockland County
Rev. Lane Cobb, Fourth Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westchester
