Troops refusing Iraq duty get a haven (First United Methodist)

[kpete]

Troops refusing Iraq duty get a haven

By MIKE BARBER
P-I REPORTER

Prompted by a Fort Lewis Army officer's decision to refuse to fight in Iraq, the First United Methodist Church of Tacoma has declared itself a sanctuary for servicemen and servicewomen who also don't want to go to Iraq.

The 300-member congregation's administrative council voted last weekend to open its doors beginning this Saturday after 1st Lt. Ehren Watada announced that he thinks the war in Iraq is illegal and that he has sought to resign his commission.

A statement from the church on Wednesday said that service members "who are unable to deploy to combat areas for reasons of conscience" can find protection behind its doors.

"Our initiative was because of Lieutenant Watada's gesture and a clear sense that we have, as a reconciling congregation, deeply involved in justice issues throughout the city, that any war, particularly this one, is inconsistent with Christian teachings," the Rev. Monty Smith said Wednesday night.

more at:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/273988_sanctuary15.html

[Freedom_from_Chains]

1. It will be interesting to see what the fundies have to say about this.

[Cha]

4. The fundies are in

league with the devil so they won't be happy.

[IndyOp]

2. Praise the Lord and put down the weapons!

THIS is what I believe Christianity CAN BE.

Thank you First United Methodists!

[Hissyspit]

3. There's always some people who get it.

True principles, not fake showy ones.

Meanwhile, the Senate works at ban descration to flags. >sigh<

[RevCheesehead]

5. Thank you for posting this.

Some days, I really love my denomination. This is one of them. O8)

[Gregorian]

6. Oops. The Decider has to make a choice.

Come on George, can you decide? What'll it be, war or god. It's a tough decision for a war president. So what's more important? Well, let's see, you could send the pastor to Guantanamo for being an enemy combatant. Or you could risk looking weak, and just let the soldier seek refuge. Oh no, I'm reminded of a Lost in Space episode. George, we're losing you. George, what's that smoke coming from the back of your head?

[bobbolink]

7. Yes, That's True Christianity. NOW.... how 'bout POVERTY??

Yes, Christians are called to provide haven for war resisters.

Even more so, they are called to advocate for poor folk. Yet, that's not "sexy" enough, nor will it probably get headlines.

There are even more poor people dying in this rich country than the number of soldiers dying in Iraq, yet no "havens" for poor folk.

What will it take?

sick at heart and totally demoralized,

Bobbolink

[peacebaby3]

16. Please check out Sojouners. They have and continue to do just what you

speak of, they just don't get the attention, press, or credit from anyone.

Here's what they sent to me in my e-mail today:

NEW!

Christians and Poverty

A discussion guide from the editors of Sojourners


To understand the “poor” in the Bible as only a reference to spiritual poverty is to miss an important part of scripture. The Christians and Poverty discussion guide offers bible study, social and economic analysis, stories of real people, and ideas for further study on study in a collection of Sojourners articles. It is part of a new series designed to spark discussion, thought, and action on how to live out God’s call for justice in the world.

This four-session discussion guide is perfect for small groups, classrooms, or anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the relationship of Christians to “the least of these.”

Here is a link to their site:

<http://www.sojo.net>

I'm a member. A group from Sojourners was arrested on the steps of the Capitol several months ago when Congress and * cut so much of the social programs but had no problem passing tax cuts for the wealthy.

[Pacifist Patriot]

8. Very cool!

[eleny]

9. What wonderful people

I sent them an email asking what sort of help they need. Thanks for posting the article.

[eleny]

10. Kick

[librechik]

11. we're on God's side

not the other way around

[smokey nj]

12. This atheist toasts Rev. Smith and his congregation.........

:toast:

[blogslut]

13. The Methodist Church

...made me the Agnostic I am today!

My parents both grew up in Baptist households yet they chose to have their own family attend the Methodist church. I learned tolerance, compassion and I learned to question my faith in a Methodist church. I may not know what GOD is anymore but I don't mind. Go Methodists!

[Breeze54]

14. lmao!!

:rofl:

Isn't bush a methodist? *wink* *wink* :shrug: This IS true dissent! Oh my!! :wow:

[ComerPerro]

15. That's amazing

[titoresque]

17. Woohoo!

Thank you, 1stUMC! Way to go!