Quick Links:

Bulletins

Sermons and Services

Reflections

Announcements

Peace Action Committee

New: Read up on peace - view our recommended book list

The Peace Action Committee, a member of Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church’s Social Action Council, began meeting in the fall of 2006 as a group of individuals seeking to promote world peace. The war in Iraq emerged as a central concern and that concern gained a sense of urgency when the fall election results opened the door for change in U.S. policies and when the Baker-Hamilton bipartisan commission urged diplomatic instead of military options. The Unitarian Universalist Association had voted in opposition to the war in the summer of 2006 at General Assembly and has since urged congregations to take local action to promote an end to the war.

To answer that call and give voice to fundamental UU principles, including

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  • The goal of world community, with peace, liberty and justice for all,

the congregation passed on May 20, 2007 the following public witness statement.

Public Witness Statement

Whereas the nation of Iraq is trapped in the current cycle of violence following the United States invasion and occupation;

Whereas peace and healing for Iraq will require innovative and persistent diplomacy, along with diverse and imaginative support from other nations within the Middle East and throughout the world;

Whereas Americans of faith can add their voices to the many calls for the United States to transform its policies and practices in Iraq;

Whereas the Unitarian Universalist Association, at its 2006 General Assembly, passed a resolution endorsing the “Declaration of Peace,” a nationwide, interfaith, nonviolent, campaign of public witness endorsed by more than 30 religious and secular organizations;

Therefore Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist supports public witness to call for:

1. The United States government to establish a definite timetable and deadline for the complete withdrawal of all U. S. troops from Iraq;

2. Innovative and persistent international diplomacy, to include factions within Iraq and Iraq’s neighbors in the Middle East;

3. Congressional oversight, with thorough and public investigation of the United States’ conduct prior to and during the war; and

4. Thorough and sustained support for U.S. service men and women, veterans and their families; and sustained humanitarian assistance for the people of Iraq.

Find out more by reading:

See Events and activities.

Comments? Questions? E-mail us:

peace@uucharlottesville.org

Join Us
Peace Conversations meets the second Sunday of each month in Summit House, Room 2. All are welcome.