Background:

Plymouth Church became a “Just Peace” church by vote of the congregation, January 1990. That resolution reads, in part:

“The Biblical description of a world faithful to God is a world of justice, peace, and wellbeing as seen in many references in the Bible including Isaiah 9:1-7, 11:1-9, Micah 4:1-4. The Hebrew word for this is “shalom.” We understand that as the Church of Jesus Christ we are called to be the body of Christ, to carry out the will and way of our Lord and Savior.”

In resolving to become a Just Peace Church, Plymouth stated: “This shall mean that in and through all aspects of our corporate life we will hold up and work on behalf of God’s Just Peace. In a climate where all points of view can be shared, we will seek ways in which we as a church and as individuals can promote justice and peace in our lives, in the life of our community and in the world.”

Therefore be it resolved, that as a Just Peace Church, we will rededicate ourselves to this calling. This shall include:

Placing a large “Wage Peace” banner in the front yard of the church.

By “Wage Peace” we mean that:

¬     Our leaders would actively seek a sound and lasting peace by investing their energy and our nation’s resources in policies and actions that are equitably applied; respect the history, culture, rights and aspirations of peoples of other nations; seek to alleviate suffering through material rather than military aid; and are based in justice.

¬     The first focus of the US in the Middle East should be on securing a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

¬     The US would be a cooperative member of the United Nations.

Making “Wage Peace” yard signs available to the congregation and others.

Opposing any preemptive unilateral use of military force against Iraq and communicating this opposition to President Bush and our Senators and Representatives. We believe the use of preemptive military force by the US would:

¬     Violate international law.

¬     Set a dangerous precedent for other nations who might justify their own preemptive strikes against other nations.

¬     Most likely, further destabilize the Middle East and incite militants to take the opportunity to recruit more followers and carry out attacks against the US, our allies, and their own governments.

¬     Result in the loss of lives of both Iraqi and US citizens.

Reactivate a Just Peace Committee at Plymouth that will:

¬     Seek further ways to promote the Just Peace message in the community, which might include the use of billboards, mailings to other churches, media releases, etc.

¬     Sponsor education and action opportunities for adults and children on topics of justice and peace.

¬     Seek to convey the perspective of people in the Middle East and other parts of the world that are rarely heard by their governments or ours. (These voices often come through missionary and partner relationships.)

¬     Challenge and support Plymouth people to wage peace in our homes and communities.

Financial Authorization:

The Church Council shall be given the discretion to authorize expenditures for these activities out of the General Operating Fund Balance. (Plymouth retained 25% of the Just Peace offering for local use, as per the stipulations of that offering. These unexpended funds are part of the General Operating Fund balance.)