April 17, 2003

CHICAGO - The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said in an April 16 statement that he is thankful the most intense phase of the military conflict in Iraq has ceased. Hanson said he is grateful for sacrifices made in the war with Iraq, remains concerned about support for all affected by the war and is committed to moral deliberation "about pressing issues of our country."

Hanson, who leads the 5.1 million member ELCA based here, has been an outspoken opponent of the war since the possibility was first mentioned by Bush Administration officials in the summer of 2002. Many of his comments related to the war in Iraq have been affirmed by the ELCA Church Council, ELCA Conference of Bishops and boards and committees of several ELCA churchwide units.

"During this most Holy Week of the year, I am encouraged by reports that major aspects of the war in Iraq are coming to an end," Hanson said in his statement titled, "End of Overt Hostilities in Iraq War."

"We now have a renewed opportunity and responsibility to consider the questions of war, peace and human community to which this moment in history calls us," he said.

Hanson called Saddam Hussein's regime "brutal." He expressed thanks that several "dangers" related to the war did not happen, such as "massive refugee displacement, use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons or wide destabilization in the region."

He noted the sacrifices of military personnel and civilians in the conflict. "With grateful hearts we honor the sacrifice made by those service personnel who have been injured or died in this war, and mourn the loss of all innocent persons," he said. "Our heartfelt prayers go out for all soldiers and their families who, in service to their country, have sacrificed so much in this military conflict."

"Continuing care" should be offered to military personnel as they return home, Hanson said, noting that they carry "in their minds, hearts and bodies the effects of war and violence."

Christians are compelled by their faith to search for "what makes for a just peace and to seek ways for nations and peoples to live together in a global community," Hanson said.

He expressed concern that all people affected by the war receive care and support. He called for prayers for the people of Iraq during the transition; protection for civilians; attention to humanitarian needs and human rights; and "return as soon as possible" the governance of Iraq to its people.

Damaged relationships must also be healed, Hanson said. "I am convinced that the post-conflict rebuilding of Iraq also must include the rebuilding of relationships between nations and the United Nations. I fervently hope that the end of this military conflict will focus renewed political will and action on resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East," he said. Healing of relationships across ethnic and political lines, and especially between faith communities, must also occur, he said.

As ELCA presiding bishop, Hanson emphasized that he will remain committed to invite the church, as a community of faith, to engage in moral deliberation about important global and national issues.

"As members of the ELCA, we hold a wide range of opinions about this war and the next steps to be taken," Hanson said. "As people of God we share a common baptismal hope, believing and trusting in God's gracious intention for a world of peace and justice. I will continue to invite this church into constant prayer for our president and all elected officials, for all people affected by war and unjust relationships, and for this fragile planet."

Hanson said the ELCA's governing documents call on ELCA pastors to "speak publicly to the world in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, calling for justice and proclaiming God's love for the world."

"Together with them I am committed to living out this shared calling and responsibility," he concluded.

The full text of ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson's April 16 statement can be found at http://www.elca.org/bishop/iraq_041603.html on the ELCA Web site. A complete listing of Hanson's public comments on global events related to peace and war can be found at http://www.elca.org/bishop/messages.html on the ELCA Web site.

ELCA News Service