CRLMC © 2008
A STATEMENT ON THE CRISIS IN THE PERSIAN GULF
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago
January 9, 1991
Our Jewish amd Christian religious traditions hold sacred every human life and invite us to seek a just and nonviolent solution to war and aggression. In this light:
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago condemns the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq and strongly opposes the brutality and violence of their invasion.
We call for the persistent pursuit of nonviolent international efforts to halt and reverse Iraq's aggression. At this critical time, we call for commitment to a negotiated political solution without resorting to war.
We accept the rigorous application of sanctions against Iraq but are opposed to the withholding of essential food and medicine as a weapon against civilian populations.
We urge that our government, with its worldwide influence, take this opportunity to provide the nations of the world with diplomatic and political -- rather than a military -- models for resolving international conflict.
As the members of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, we call upon our various faith communities -- and the community at large -- to engage in earnest prayer and public witness for a just peace. We particularly urge that January 11 through January 13 be dedicated to this purpose.