The United Church of Canada prays for the people of Syria and governments around the world as the international community considers how to respond to the unconscionable use of chemical weapons in the escalating civil war in that country. It today launched a national emergency appeal to help those most at risk in this conflict, including the millions of Syrians who have fled their homes to escape the
violence.
The United Church unequivocally deplores the use of chemical weapons but also believes their use and
the ongoing conflict in Syria will not be resolved by military action. “The witness of the Christian scriptures and of Jesus is that violence begets violence,” said Moderator Gary Paterson. “Together with the World Council of Churches and especially churches in Syria, we appeal to the international
community to work co-operatively to find a peaceful and negotiated end to the conflict.” As an alternative to military intervention, the United Church urges the international community to continue its thorough investigation into the chemical attacks and use international instruments to hold those responsible to account, including the possibility of a referral to the International Criminal Court.
We are deeply saddened by the hardships and loss of life suffered by Syrians through the conflict over the past three years. More than 100,000 people have died,more than two million Syrians have become refugees, and Syrian society has been severely damaged.
As people of faith, we believe God’s love and care for all people, particularly the most vulnerable, must be our primary concern. That’s why the United Church is joining the global effort to care for those most at risk in the Syrian conflict by launching an appeal for donations in support of Syrians who have been uprooted by the civil war.
Contributions will be directed to ACT Alliance and the Middle East Council of Churches, a United Church partner that is active in Syria. The United Church is also exploring an
invitation from the federal government for expressions of interest from sponsorship agreement holders that are willing to help resettle Syrian refugees in Canada.
Through the Middle East Council of Churches, the United Church will continue to stand in solidarity with Syrian Christians as we pray for all the people of Syria. We pray for a peace the world cannot alone bring into being. We pray that the hearts and minds of those in power in Syria and the international community will be opened to truly seek justice and lasting peace for all.
This statement originally posted to the United Church of Canada website at: http://www.united-church.ca/files/communications/news/response/130905_statement.pdf
Information about the United Church Emergency Response to the Syrian Crisis can be found at: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/130905
Contact Online is a Blog for St. Mark's United Church Community of Faith, Region 15 of the United Church of Canada. 504 Bernard Street, Port Hawkesbury, N.S. B9A 1L2, E-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com St. Mark's United Church accepts and welcomes all people as we share and grow in acceptance, learn, love and share our Christian faith in God's love. Phone: (902) 625-2229, Church Services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
