News From The Assembly

General Assembly Approves Resolution Opposing War In Iraq
July 25, 2007 - Disciples News Service

Disciples approved a resolution on the last day of the General Assembly that conscientiously opposes the war in Iraq as an action inconsistent with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

One of the most debated items at the Assembly, the resolution was passed by a  majority vote, although a number of delegates stood to cast “no” votes.

The sense-of-the-assembly resolution was presented at the Wednesday afternoon business session, after revisions the night before at the Assembly’s Committee on Reference and Counsel which were designed to reflect the concerns of some of those at the Assembly.

Doug Skinner, pastor of Northway Christian Church in Dallas, Texas, was one of those who spoke at the Reference and Counsel meeting. Skinner noted that in its original context, the resolution did not recognize the legitimate diversity of opinion that exists among Christians about the war, and that the wording seems to be a way of “throwing people out of the pool on theological grounds.”

The final resolution eliminated the wording “condemning the war in Iraq as contrary to the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.”  The resolution also added new wording that witnesses to the Church’s inclusiveness by encouraging lively and meaningful discussion on this issue, and all divisive issues, at every level of the Church.  A section that spoke of the Church offering its legal support as well as moral support to soldiers who refuse to bear arms or be deployed to Iraq was changed to say the Church “affirms the God-given right of conscience and offers moral support” to such soldiers.

During the final debate on Wednesday, several people spoke both for and against the resolution.

“I rise in support because it’s high time this denomination got off its duff and made a decision,” said Tom Plumbley, Pastor of First Christian Church in Fort Worth.  “We have allowed ourselves to be bullied and fear-mongered into silent submission.  Some people say 9-11 changed the world so much that the standards for a ‘just war’ no longer apply.  But the world did not change as much on 9-11, as it did on that first Easter Sunday when we went to war.”

Tom Quigley, of Disciples Peace Fellowship, which sponsored the resolution noted, “We wholeheartedly support the changes that have been presented.”

Medie Still of Guyton Christian Church in Guyton, Ga., was one of several people who spoke in opposition to the resolution.  “I do not support this resolution as it has been changed,” he said…”This is not a statement we should be making as Disciples.”

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