Mennonite
Central
Committee

U.S. Religious Leaders Issue Statement Regarding Iranian - British Incident in the Gulf. Renew Call for Direct Talks with Iran

March 23, 2007

The incident today of Iranian seizure of British naval personnel underscores in dramatic fashion our call for diplomatic relations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Iran does have an ambassador in London and we understand that communications between Great Britain and Iran are already underway.  We pray that this matter will be resolved quickly and peacefully, without harm to human life.

The U.S. and Iran should have the same channels as the United States did with the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War to avoid circumstances where misunderstandings, accidents, or other unanticipated events could lead to a military confrontation.  That is why we again call for diplomatic ties with Iran, believing that a new day for U.S.-Iran relations is both possible and necessary.

 

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Mary Ellen McNish
General Secretary,
American Friends Service Committee

Rev. Ron Flaming
Director of International Programs
Mennonite Central Committee

Rev. J. Daryl Byler
Washington Office Director
Mennonite Central Committee

Joe Volk
Executive Secretary
Friends Committee on National Legislation

Jonathan Evans
Special Representative for Iran
American Friends Service Committee

Maureen Shea
Director, Office of Government Relations
Episcopal Church USA

Rev. Dr. Shanta Devadasa Premawardhana
Associate General Secretary for Interfaith Relations
National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA

Rev. Jeff Carr
Chief Operating Officer
Sojourner/Call to Renewal

 

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