War and Peace
- responding to Iraq and other conflicts

The following information and resources have been compiled to assist Australian churches and others in our response to international crises such as the war with Iraq in the first part of 2003. We extend our prayers to all making difficult decisions, and to all who are caught up in immensely troubling situations. In this ecumenical Decade to Overcome Violence, we continue to urge all to work for a culture of peace throughout the world.

The NCCA ecumenical statement issued in the build-up to war in Iraq:

       "We believe that God loves all humanity, and that all people -
      regardless of race, nation or religion - are created in the image of
      God. This draws the world together, affirms us to be children of
      God, and unites us as brothers and sisters.

      "We affirm the importance of peacemaking through non-violence.
      The way to peace does not lie through war, but through the
      transformation of structures of injustice and the politics of exclusion.

      "We affirm this not only because of its effectiveness, but because it is
      faithful to the prophetic life and ministry of Jesus Christ."

      (from the statement of the heads of the NCCA member churches, 25 August 2002)

The member Churches of the National Council of Churches in Australia hold differing theological positions on when, or if ever, military action is appropriate in particular circumstances. All however were filled with deep
disquiet about the US led attack on Iraq and continue to call upon the Australian Government to seek diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution of the problems of the region; and to work through the United Nations, as the duly constituted international body, for building a secure basis for world peace.
(see also the joint statement by Australian civil society groups (released 11 April 2003)).

The united, worldwide church made a declaration against war, delivered to the UN Security Council on the 13th of March 2003 and signed by all regional ecumenical organisations, including our own. This authoritative statement made it quite clear where the universal church stands on such issues, whatever other differences there are between individual churches.