Joint Synod Statement on War in Iraq

PDF file version of the letter including signatures


March 20, 2003

Dear Christian Leaders,

We write to you today with a deep sense of sadness that war has been unleashed in our world.  We write to you today to remind you that we are a church always in prayer for peace.  This is a difficult time for our congregations.  There is a wide variety of opinions on this war, and we as the Church have an opportunity to be a foundation of hope in our world.  We shall stand firm in our resolve for peace in the coming weeks.

We encourage your prayers for our president and his advisors, and all our leaders in government that they may have the wisdom to find a way to peace quickly. We pray for our military personnel serving at this time and offer them encouragement through the mail and/or email. 

We pray for the people of Iraq, that their suffering will not be great.  We pray for the leaders of all nations, that we seek new ways to resolve our differences so that wars may be averted. 

We encourage you to discuss with your Worship and Music Committee ways our worship life may prayerfully reflect our present situation.  As we seek God’s will in our world, may we be beacons of hope, makers of peace and faithful proclaimers.

Enclosed is a reproduction of an article on the points of discussion concerning “just war” which may be helpful in your ministry and a copy of prayers for use in worship adopted by the ELCA Conference of Bishops, March 2003.

Blessings to you and your ministry,

The Reverend Craig E. Johnson
Bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod

The Reverend Peter Rogness
Bishop, Saint Paul Area Synod

PDF file version of the letter including signatures