NEWTOWN FRIENDS MEETING OPPOSES THE WAR WITH IRAN: War is not the answer.

Newtown Friends Meeting has adopted the following statement in light of current events.

NEWTOWN FRIENDS MEETING OPPOSES THE WAR WITH IRAN

War is not the answer.

In the light of the US attack on Iran, Newtown Friends Meeting affirms the Quaker Peace Testimony and our long-standing witness that all life is sacred and that violence cannot bring lasting security.

From the earliest years of the Religious Society of Friends, we have declared:

“We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons,
for any end or under any pretense whatsoever; and this is our testimony to the whole world.”

(excerpted from Declaration of Friends to Charles II, 1660)

In that spirit, we grieve and oppose our nation’s abandoning active diplomacy in favor of a massive military attack and the escalating military activity in Iran and in the region.Friends believe that lasting security comes through diplomacy, accountability and international cooperation.Violence deepens conflict and closes the door to understanding.

Guided by our testimony for peace, Newtown Friends Meeting calls for the immediate de-escalation of tensions, the withdrawal of recently deployed military forces—an action that could save $1 billion per day, funds that could better serve urgent domestic needs—and the renewed pursuit of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

We hold in the Light all who are suffering (both those in the military and those who are harmed by military actions). We reaffirm our commitment to work for a just and peaceful world and encourage others to join us.

We, individually and as a community, will continue to seek ways to build a caring and peaceful community and to express our concerns about the growing conflicts with Iran.