The Fellowship of Reconciliation joins with Pope Leo and our friends in the peace movement in expressing our deep concern at another war in the Middle East. The joint Israeli and US attack on Iran, its leadership and people, is in defiance of international law. This unprovoked attack, in the midst of ongoing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, is the latest in a series of ruptures of the system of international law which has been destroyed by those permanent members of the UN Security Council with responsibility to uphold it. The strikes on Iran, including the death of over one hundred and fifty children, parents and teachers at a girl’s school , have unleashed retaliatory strikes across the region.
War is always wrong and represents a moral failure.The loss and maiming of loved-ones, the long-term psychological damage inflicted, the destruction to essential infrastructure, and the damage to our shared environment diminishes us all. The Iranian government and spiritual leadership have presided over human rights abuses against its own people and facilitated war and conflict in the region, and the Fellowship of Reconciliation will always stand in support with those who seek peace and justice through non-violence. However, targeted assassinations and kidnappings of heads of state by the United States sets a dangerous precedent that every leader, including Trump and Netanyahu, is put at risk. War begets war, those who live by the sword will inevitably die by the sword. But, as peacemakers, we seek to reconcile, to de-escalate, to challenge dominant narratives which try to legitimate and justify killing other human beings. We want to follow Jesus’ teaching in loving our neighbours as ourselves, and to love our enemies.
The actions of our Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, in allowing US forces to use British air bases has brought the UK into this conflict and increased the risk to every British citizen. Regime change, by bombing people into submission, has not worked in the past and invariably leads to more chaos, disorder and bloodshed.
- Join with both FoR members, supporters as well as the broader Quaker network to Email your MP to share our joint concerns
- Pray for peace using the prayer beneath and via vigils (see this handy guide from the Quakers)
- Read Jason Potterfield’s Fight LIke Jesus and attend our Lent book club on Tuesday mornings
- Download an FoR No to War Peace Now or our simple Peace Now poster
Holy God of Peace,
You invite your world, and its people, to enter through the narrow gate.
Yet again, the news is full of those
who chose the wider gate of seductive violence.
We pray for those whose lives will be lost,
whose futures change
or whose future paths will be altered by the attacks.
We pray for the hearts of the officers responsible
for the design and execution of military attack or counterattack.We pray for politicians who cannot see beyond the rifle
when thinking of safety and security for their nation.
May all be challenged by the suffering
and have their hearts and minds opened to seek peace in a different way.We think of those living in Iran and Israel,
for whom the fall of night brings fear of bombs and death.
Of families overseas struggling to hear updates.
Of those with no one to care for them, even though they are frightened in this moment.We remember all who live in less than free conditions
give them strength and courage,
when they need it, to speak your justice and truth.As we lament humanity’s failing,
may we all renew our efforts to build your kingdom of justice,
peace and joy in the holy spirit. AMEN
