On March 9, Helga Zepp-LaRouche, the founder of the Schiller Institute issued an open call to Pope Leo XIV to intervene on the level of Nicholas of Cusa, to help mankind avoid “an escalation of the unprovoked war against Iran into potentially a global nuclear war, which would end all life on Earth.”
There are other groups that could sign that call and join in that mobilization.
In two statements released by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, and by the World Council of Churches, the latter of which reports it represents more than half a billion Christians worldwide, there manifests very sharp opposition to the U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran, both in terms of being an illegal war and killing innocents, and even more so, being in violation of the spirit of Christ, and his teaching.
We present excerpts from each group, to inform the reader of their strong views, and to indicate that they might be contacted to join the organizing process.
In a March 30 Easter message, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem stated: “Each passing day has brought increasingly fierce escalations—a relentless cycle of death, destruction, and frightful suffering that now ripples across the globe in rising economic hardship. From the blackened smoke of this expanding wreckage, a deep darkness has engulfed our region, as stifling as the air inside the sealed tomb of the crucified Christ.” But the desolation of the tomb was not the end of the story, the message notes. “Death did not have the final word,” the text reads. “By the power of God, Christ rose victorious from the grave.”
The message bids the faithful and all persons of goodwill to work and pray ceaselessly for the relief of the “countless multitudes throughout the Middle East and beyond” who are suffering severely from the ravages of war. “Likewise, we appeal to them to advocate and intercede for an immediate end to the bloodshed and for justice and peace to finally prevail throughout our war-torn region, beginning in Jerusalem and extending to Gaza, Lebanon, and all the Holy Land; to the Gulf States and Tehran; and to the ends of the earth.”
On March 9, a coalition of The World Council of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, World Methodist Council, Mennonite World Conference, Christian Conference of Asia, and ACT Alliance (a coalition of 120 religious organizations) issued the following powerful statement and call to action:
“The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28 February, and Iran’s subsequent retaliation, have resulted in a war that threatens peace across the region and beyond…
“Moreover, we fear that the conflict may result in a new period of prolonged violence and instability in the wider region…. Extensive destruction has been inflicted on residential neighborhoods in Lebanon, especially in the southern suburbs of Beirut and large areas of southern Lebanon. The intensification of hostilities has resulted in widespread civilian suffering and has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in search of safety.
“It must be emphasized that the joint Israeli and US attacks are clearly illegal under international law. They are conducted without any credible substantiation of the alleged imminent threat from Iran, and are in flagrant violation of the UN Charter which was created precisely to save the world’s people from the scourge of war. The abandonment of diplomacy in favor of armed attack is reckless and irresponsible.
“Having taken this path, Israel and the United States of America must not be permitted to once again create a desolation and call it peace. They must take responsibility for the consequences of their actions, including the consequences for the future of the people of Iran whose freedom they claim to promote.
“We appeal for an immediate ceasefire, for the urgent resumption of diplomatic engagement and political dialogue through established international and regional mechanisms, and for full compliance by all States with their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter.
“Our appeal is grounded in our faith and our Christian ethical values, as well as in law and policy. We affirm that war is incompatible with God’s very nature and will for humanity, and against our fundamental Christian principles. Peace is a moral and spiritual imperative rooted in our faith in a God of justice and compassion, and a gift not achieved through force or strength of arms. Human dignity is sacred, reflecting the image of God. Any assault on civilian life or systematic violation of human rights, whether through external attack or internal oppression, is a direct affront to God-given human dignity and the sanctity of life.
“In this conflict and in our wider global context, we lament the absence of morality and legality, the prevailing arrogance and ideologies of power, and the replacement of conscience with political utility. As Christians, we do not recognize any divine license to kill, destroy, displace or occupy. We proclaim the God-given human dignity and rights of all people, equally and without discrimination. We reject the brutal logic of war and domination. We seek the gift of peace.
“We pray for the people of the Middle East…
“God, bring an end to violence and injustice.
“Inspire leaders to work towards the well-being of all people.
“May your love and compassion prevail, uniting nations in a common pursuit of peace.
“Let your kingdom of peace reign on Earth as in heaven.”
