During our national crisis we have seen the very best of the American spirit. We continue to pray for healing. We pray for hope. We pray for justice and peace.

The acts visited upon our country on September 11 were barbaric and evil. We, the undersigned, deplore all acts of violence and the utter disrespect shown for human life. How Americans respond to criminal acts says much about the depth of our values and the character of our nation. When we respond to unrestrained evil and disaster with a resilient spirit dedicated to mourning with those who grieve, assisting those who suffer, and seeking justice for those who commit crimes, we are responding with the best of the American spirit. But when our desire to seek justice is fueled by revenge and a self-righteous sense of cause, we risk becoming more like those whose actions we abhor.

We believe in the importance of collective self-examination. Many people in the world do not experience our nation as we see ourselves. When we practice democratic values and espouse human rights in our own country, but support oppressive regimes because doing so suits our national interest, they question our consistency. When we support economic boycotts and other strategies that negatively impact common people, they are upset. When we shun international conventions and conferences, we are resented. Indeed, a member of the U.S. Commission on National Security concluded that there is a terrific sense of resentment building against the United States as a bully. (Cited in Columbia Journalism Review, November/December 2001, p.12)

While some may distort their own religious beliefs to evil ends, we appeal to all people of faith to call our leaders to the highest ideals of their faith: love, peace and good will. We are mindful that Jesus asks his followers to love their enemies and to overcome evil with good.

In this spirit...

• we encourage our leaders to pursue justice through international law and courts and to give priority to facilitating the delivery of food and supplies to those in greatest need.
• we support the lifting of the economic embargo against Iraq and renewed efforts to build peace between the Palestinian people and Israel.
• we implore our leaders to curtail war efforts. Not to do so will further erode the good will extended to our country by many people around the world in the wake of the September 11 attacks. We fear that more air strikes will inspire new acts of terrorism.
• we ask that the energy, intelligence and commitment directed toward the war effort be focused on restorative justice, non-violent methods of resolving conflict, cross-cultural understanding and negotiation.

In our desire to work for the cause of peace and the elimination of militarism, war and terrorism, we invite Americans...

• to join in praying for the families of those who died on September 11 and the families of those who have died in Afghanistan.
• to pray for our president and leaders of the world to find peaceful means to deal with terrorism and violence.
• to support the efforts of our government and humanitarian agencies to bring aid to refugees of violence.
• to reject the temptation to elevate our own country above all others.
• to reject expressions of hate and to extend love towards those different from themselves in their own neighborhoods and around the world.

As a specific action for peace, and as a personal act of moral integrity, we invite Americans to speak out against the unconscionable U.S. military budget and the proposed $48 billion increase.

Prayerfully consider withholding at least $10.40 (1040 is the # of the most common IRS form) from your federal income tax payment this year.

This is a symbolic yet concrete way to promote peace through nonviolence. Instead, contribute to humanitarian work in countries such as Colombia that are struggling to find life and healing midst the violence of war. Ongoing U.S. military assistance to Colombia has only brought more death and violence to a people weary of war. As a patriotic American, send letters explaining your act of conscience to political and religious leaders, community organizations, newspapers, friends and citizen groups. Together our efforts could reverse our rising national reliance on arms, and contribute to a growing movement for peace.

We invite all Americans to help bring an end to terrorism, war and violence of all kinds and to pray and work for peace. We invite tax-paying citizens to express their concerns about the expanding U.S. military budget and call all people to consider alternative, nonviolent responses to our current national crisis.