Syria
The time is now for people of faith to call on the U.S. government to pursue a political solution to the crisis in Syria. The United Church of Christ leadership is asking members to raise their collective voice and implore the government not to use a military strike against Syria, and instead use all diplomatic and humanitarian means to resolve the crisis.
In recent months the United Church of Christ has generated thousands of letters to the President and members of Congress calling for alternatives to military strikes and the need for increased political and humanitarian responses. The UCC Collegium of Officers have signed ecumenical letters calling for strengthened diplomatic efforts, de-escalation of the violence, and a political solution. UCC churches have dedicated signs to messages of peace, clergy have lifted up sermons on non-violence, and members have joined or led prayer vigils and demonstrations across the country.
In the UCC, this call for “another way” is consistent with our historic witness of Just Peace. Our Just Peace vision represents a third-way between Just War and Pacifism, calling for justice as a means of seeking peace and avoiding war.
Learn more about the UCC’s advocacy, engagement with global partners, humanitarian appeal, and UCC news coverage:
Donate
Global Ministries – a joint ministry of the UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – has been active in supporting humanitarian relief efforts through several Middle Eastern partners. UCC and Disciples members are encouraged to support such work by their contributions to Syria relief through One Great Hour of Sharing and the Week of Compassion. Learn more & donate now.
UCC Voices on Syria
• August 29th Letter Opposing Military Strikes in Syria
• July 2013 Ecumenical Letter on Syria
• Commentary: A Third Way — Seeking a Just Peace in Syria by Rev. Michael Neuroth, UCC Policy Advocate
• On Red Lines and Open Tables by Rev. Robert Chase of Intersections International
• “Just longing for peace does not necessarily bring it about” by Rev. Dr. Susan Hayword
• 10 things we can do right now about Syria instead of bombing by Rev. Dr. Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite
• Noli Temere (Don’t Be Afraid) by Rev. Ken Sehested
• It’s not enough to oppose bombing Syria by Rev. Phil Haslanger
Global Ministries Updates
Global Ministries is the common witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ responsible for nurturing relationships with international partners on behalf of Disciples and the UCC.
Syria coverage in UC News
Faith leaders appeal for diplomacy, Obama makes a case for military action against Syria
September 10, 2013
As President Barack Obama prepares to present his case for launching military strikes on Syria to the American people, and behind-the-scenes negotiations to get Syria to surrender its chemical weapons continue, United Church of Christ executives are joining other faith leaders in a continued push for prayer and diplomacy.
UCC leaders call for political process to prevail in Syria
September 3, 2013
The time is now for people of faith to call on the U.S. government to pursue a political solution to the crisis in Syria.
UCC officers call on U.S. to assist Syrian refugees
August 2, 2013
Two officers of the United Church of Christ have joined 23 ecumenical colleagues, in calling on the United States government to keep its attention on the Syrian Civil War and act accordingly to bring stability and peace to the region.