CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN NETWORK
Continuing the work of Jesus : Peacefully ~ Simply ~ Together
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CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN NETWORKContinuing the work of Jesus : Peacefully ~ Simply ~ Together |
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Church of the Brethren General Board 1451 Dundee Avenue Elgin, Illinois 60120-1694 April 5, 1999 President Bill Clinton 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, The whole world looks with horror at the events unfolding in the Balkans, as warplanes fill the skies and ethnic cleansing is carried out on the ground below. In the midst of this terrible situation, I am led by the teachings of the bible, by the traditions of our church, and by the stark reality that violence only begets violence, to call on you to stop the bombing of Yugoslavia. The intentions of the United States and its allies may have been noble in seeking to protect the rights of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. However, in allowing for only two options--to condone ethnic cleansing or to seek a military solution--we have created a no-win situation where ultimately the very people we have sought to protect are being further endangered. Along with a cessation of the bombing, what is needed now is a return of international peace monitors coupled with OSCE or United Nations'-led negotiations between the Yugoslavian government and the Kosovo Albanians. We must also support voices for peace within Yugoslavia, while holding leaders from every quarter responsible for crimes against humanity, and in particular the crimes of the Milosevic regime against the people of Kosovo. The world desperately needs new and creative approaches to situations like this, which will doubtless continue to be a part of our world as we enter the next millennium. The United States can take the lead in helping fashion these new responses to the age-old problems of the human family. Our denomination will be in prayer for the victims of the conflict and for the leaders of the nations involved. We have also begun to provide humanitarian assistance for those displaced by the conflict. May God grant you the strength and vision to act for peace in this troubling situation. Sincerely, Judy Mills Reimer Executive Director
Other Links:
Agencies Assisting in Balkan Relief Efforts
Return to Church of the Brethren Arranged by Ronald J. Gordon
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