[Peace-discuss] Letter to Bush from Franciscans

[Karen Medina]

Below is part of a letter that was sent to President Bush by 
Franciscan (religious) orders. Keep in mind that Franciscans 
vow to serve the poor and work for peace. On a weekly basis, 
they serve literally hundreds of thousands of persons in 
numerous countries overseas and the United States. Their view 
and input is valued by many important international 
organizations, and they cross boundaries that few other help 
organizations can. A political statement from this group is 
indeed a powerful statement. 

The letter from the Franciscans says:
"Dear President Bush:
"[...] we write to you today with our deep distress and 
concern for the current situation in Iraq and to express our 
hope that we might embark on a new path.  

"Our Franciscan religious commitment connects us to all those 
who suffer.  The mounting deaths and casualties of U.S. and 
coalition service men and women, Iraqis, and U.S. and 
international civilians in Iraq fill us with anguish.  Though 
the stated policy goal of the United States and Coalition 
Forces to bring stability and democracy is laudable, our 
prudential judgment leads us to believe that there is no 
clear positive end that would result from the current course.

"Therefore, we humbly request that you provide the leadership 
to work with Congress to:
• Publicly state a clear and measurable plan for the timely, 
responsible and sustainable withdrawal of U.S. and coalition 
forces from Iraq.
• Assume a clearly articulated U.S. foreign policy that 
abandons the pre-emptive use of force by pursuing a path of 
active diplomatic engagement and the use of non-violent 
humane means of intervention with international partners.
• Uphold our stated national commitment to assist the Iraqi 
people in the long-term project of rebuilding their nation.

"We would add that, for the sake of ending the tragic 
suffering of the United States and coalition military forces 
and the people of Iraq, these policies need to be pursued as 
soon as possible.

"For our part, we pledge our commitment:
• To support and dialogue with those who are seeking policy 
options in Iraq beyond the use of force and invite all to 
consider the human cost of war.
• To pray for and pastorally support the service men and 
women in harm’s way and their families remaining at home.  To 
pray for the people of Iraq.  To pray for you, our U.S. 
government officials, that you might have the strength and 
courage to pursue non-violent policies that will lead to true 
and lasting peace in Iraq and the wider world.

"With sincere gratitude we thank you for your efforts to 
faithfully address our concerns.  May you be blessed with 
peace and may there be peace in Iraq and all the world.

"Sincerely,"

and then it is signed by a large number of Franciscans. 
Together they call themselves "Franciscan Family of the 
United States"

Peace,
karen medina