Should clergy shape war policy?

Published July 9, 2005 - Glendale News Press - Los Angeles Time

IN THEORY

Should clergy shape war policy?

Q: The National Council of Churches, an ecumenical group of Christian denominations, this week announced a declaration urging President Bush to develop a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and to reevaluate his policy on Iraq, which they say has failed. They also urged him to listen to a wider pool of religious advisors on the issue.

Do you agree with their declaration? And can/should religious advisors play a role in war policy?

A: Better late than never.

Religious leadership must always present the highest of ideals and ask/demand that society strive for them. If religious leaders took on the task of speaking out for justice, yes, President Bush -- and even more, our country -- would be better served with an expanded pool of religious advisors.

The saddest people in life are those who have no hope for tomorrow. Religion weaves the dreams of hope and it is up to society to wake up to actualize those dreams.

The most pressing dream of our day is that of peace. War robs the world of hope and, therefore, religion must talk the language of peace. It behooves every religious leader to guide and direct people toward the ideals -- truth, justice, freedom -- that bring peace.

It is about time the National Council of Churches came out with this call.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries