Church Heads Urge Congress to Stop Genocide in Darfur
Top representatives of America’s largest mainline churches are standing together against the humanitarian crises in Darfur, Sudan, through a joint letter issued to members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
WASHINGTON – Top representatives of America’s largest mainline churches are standing together against the humanitarian crises in Darfur, Sudan, through a joint letter issued to members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson - presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick – stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. general assembly, and the Rev. Peter D. Weaver – bishop and president of the Council of Bishops at the United Methodist Church, were among seven leaders who signed onto a letter urging Congress to pass the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act before the year passes.
The Senate approved on Nov. 18 the Darfur Act (S. 1462), and the House is expected to vote on it when members return from the Thanksgiving break.
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The letter reminds members of Congress that the United States has already recognized the humanitarian crisis in Darfur as “genocide” and that not it would be a “travesty” for the nation to do nothing to stop the violence.
"Just as U.S. leadership was critical earlier this decade in bringing a peace agreement to end the decades-long civil war in southern Sudan, a U.S.-led international campaign in Darfur has the potential finally to bring hope to the long-suffering people of Darfur," the religious leaders wrote.
The violence in the Western region of Sudan has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions homeless. Christian, non-profit, and other faith groups have joined hands in the last year to rally against the Darfur genocide through prayer meetings, lobbying efforts, and joint press conferences.
The letter specifically calls on U.S. House members to “co-sponsor and take all necessary action” to pass the H.R. resolution 3127 before Congress adjourns the 2005 session. It also serves as a reminded to Congress that the suffering in Darfur is getting worse.
Other signers of the letter were: Rabbi David Sapperstein – Union for Reform Judaism, the Rev. William G. Sinkford – president of Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations; the Rev. John H. Thomas – general minister and president of United Church of Christ; and Sharon E. Watkins – general minister and president of the Disciples of Christ Church.
