Episcopal Press and News
Browning Calls for Creative Solutions to Gulf Crisis, Reexamination of National Priorities
Episcopal News Service. October 10, 1990 [90258]
NEW YORK, Oct. 5 -- In a statement addressed to 2.5 million Episcopalians, Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning today urged them to support a peaceful solution to the Persian Gulf crisis in spite of an atmosphere of increasing tension, stereotyping, and misplaced national priorities. (See full text of the statement in the Newsfeatures section.)
"In spite of the near unanimity of the United Nations in confronting the crisis, the time is fraught with danger," Browning said. "Lines have been drawn in the desert sands. Huge armies and armadas, led by those of our own country, face each other with the promise of unimaginable destruction and havoc." He said that he had "felt the pain and anguish that this crisis has wrought," and that an apparent stalemate in diplomatic efforts to solve the crisis meant that he "had to speak out."
Browning said that he would convey today's message to all the bishops of the church, to the peace and justice network within the church, and to President George Bush, also an active Episcopalian.
In the statement, Browning warned that "we not demonize, stereotype, or oversimplify" in assessments of the Iraqi people or of the broader issues that underlie the problems in the Middle East. "This is not a time for propaganda but for sober truth," he said.
Browning demanded that Americans "examine our national priorities and addiction to unnecessary consumption" as they consider why the United States has unleashed "the greatest military force since the Vietnam War." He asked whether "the reason is primarily economic, having to do with unimpeded access to oil."
Browning urged Episcopalians to support "cooperative and peaceful solutions to the crisis....Resist the misplaced national pride that refuses to recognize the face of Christ in your brother and sister in Iraq and the Middle East."