Speech by Rev Ray Richmond

The Vietnam war was stopped by people like us numbered in the Millions. This war will be stopped by us, numbered in the Billions.

A radio host nominated me for membership in the "Chattering Classes", with the intention to belittle, silence, and dis-empower me. I became an active member; chattering all over the place; chatter, chatter, chatter, chatter everywhere; and sometimes with a latte or a Chardonnay. - I did some Internet searches looking for official statements offered by the Church on the matter of this war. This, in summary, is what I found.

The Christian Church, like the United Nations, is a conciliar body. It meets and decides in council. It considers holy scripture, tradition, reason and experience. They are careful, slow, mostly conservative, and sometimes divided. But in the matter of war and peace, with barely controlled outrage, the disciples of Jesus are opposed to this war.

From the Pope, the Vatican, the World Council of Churches, National Councils, and Denominational Councils, there is one strong voice of condemnation,- - and a commitment to actively labour for peace. Some of the words they use follow.

World Council of Churches: "It is devastating that powerful nations of the world again regard war as an acceptable instrument of foreign policy."
(US, Europe & Middle East with WCC 5/2/030
Churches of Christ USA: "The teachings of Jesus are not unclear. Our obedience is to God, and to witness to the spiritual purpose of love and respect for all people." (Churches of Christ USA)
The Vatican said "we cannot consider a US-led action against Iraq a "just war". "There are economic reasons behind the conflict". (Vatican Justice & Peace)
( There are more quotes, but I have no time to read them.)

Pope John Paul II said "History in fact shows that the recruitment of terrorists is more easily achieved in areas where human rights are trampled upon and where injustice is a part of daily life". (Pope John Paul II , The Vatican, Sept. 2002)

"A war would have unacceptable humanitarian consequences, including large-scale displacement of people, the breakdown of state functions, the possibility of civil war and major unrest in the whole region."

Need I add, that.Community Leaders of Other faiths, - - and of none, - - are prominent in opposition to this war.

The NO WAR Coalition, locally and globally, strives for peaceful and non-violent patriotic dissent. Many of us here today are Global citizens first, and Australians second, - - who want the UN process to work for all. Unfortunately, justice and equity are being wilfully replaced by abuse of power. In my opinion, the greatest threat to peace is the pre-emptive use of weapons of mass destruction by the USA. I have ceased making apologies for our Prime Minister and Cabinet: They are profoundly in error, in morality, in law, and in process. With respect for your office, get with the program, or get out of the way. Fifteen million Australians are not wrong. And some of the Labor Party leadership are not worthy of the name "opposition".
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Our task is immense. In this "vigorous democracy", our leaders are not more important than you or me. And we will be heard. Put on your royal purple ribbon, and be visible and active for peace. Chatter, chatter, chatter all over the place. - - - We teach our children "no hitting and no hurting". There are many things we can do non-violently. The women and children can mount actions of their own to show us how. A women's march is planned, and a student strike is in early stages. I am confident that our children know how to use email and mobiles to organize something really huge and special. Be alert, and alarmed. The Mayor of Brisbane has suggested what to do with the frig magnet. Return To Sender!

Your action for peace, may be THE most important thing you will do during your whole planetary journey.

And so, with awareness and mindfulness, we pray for ( the )
~ innocent children and women of Iraq - that they may be comforted
~ the health and aid workers - that they may be given strength and means for their work
~ the leaders of nations and armies - that duty and arrogance will be transformed by mercy
~ the United Nations - that wisdom and courage will be plentiful
~ ourselves and our nation - that love and compassion will flow from the heart
~ that this war may be stopped, and our troops return home safely.
And all the people said, amen.

Peace be with you.

Rev Ray Richmond is Pastor of The Wayside Chapel, Kings Cross, Sydney. Uniting Church in Australia