<typohead type=3>Some practical responses to the ever increasing threat of war in Iraq.</typohead>
This is not intended to be prescriptive or exhaustive. It is a list of some possible responses to accompany the Statement by the Church Leaders. It is made up of ideas from Parishes and individuals around the country that the Global Mission Office has become aware of in recent days. No doubt there will be many others. My hope is that a ground swell of good ideas will begin to filter through the NZPres conversations and elsewhere as we think together about ways to be a people of peace.
Worship Ideas - The lighting of a peace candle is a very well known spiritual ritual that remains the easiest response of all. Possibly you would like to consider making the time more elaborate by adding a different colour candle for different nations around the central one. Other decorations could include a ring of barbed wire to symbolise the harsh realities but also the crown of thorns. Provide interesting information on a different country each Sunday. Involve the children in writing prayers. This simple prayer for Africa can be easily adapted to suit any region.
God bless Africa, Guard her children, Guide her rulers and grant her peace.
Stay Informed - there are many websites that can assist us to try and understand what a valid Christian response should be at times like this. The Presbyterian Church of the USA www.pcusa.org is an excellent starting point. The World Council of Churches site www.wcc-coe.org is updated regularly and the Church of Scotland site www.churchofscotland.org.uk has a helpful letter on it as well as other information. Church World Service www.churchworldservice.org, an organization much like our own Christian World Service is another useful site.
Active Support - Many individuals and congregations want to be even more involved in some way. Many have signed petitions or even attended marches and rallies. You may wish to write to the Prime Minister, the UN Secretary, or to the US Ambassador at PO Box 1190, Wellington. Financial contributions remain a popular and relatively easy option. Through their strategic partnerships with Action by Churches Together (ACT) and the Middle East Council of Churches, Christian World Service is able to ensure that any donations marked for Iraq and sent to their Christchurch office, will be forwarded to those who are trying to provide the necessities of life for the children of Iraq. There is little doubt that the children are suffering the worst hardship and will be the greatest sufferers if war breaks out.
Rev Andrew Bell
Global Mission Secretary
Church Leaders Statement on Iraq
An Open Letter to Congregations from Michael Thawley, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church