A call to end the violence in Syria

From an MCC Ontario release on August 31, 2013

As we gather as  faith communities let us remember our sisters and brothers in Syria, and the thousands who have fled to neighbouring Lebanon. Our MCC workers in the region continue to work with local churches and other religious leaders to respond to emergency needs, and to build peace where there are glimmers of opportunity.   (Rick Cober Bauman, MCC Ontario Executive Director) 

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. 

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mennonite Central Committee urgently calls on all governments and parties to the conflict to end the violence in Syria. We condemn in the strongest terms all forms of violence and war, including missile strikes, use of chemical weapons, targeted acts of violence against civilians, conventional warfare and suicide bombings. 

Further militarization of the conflict will only increase the suffering of the Syrian people and the shattering of Syrian society. 

We call on all nations to immediately end shipments of military equipment and arms to the Syrian government and to rebel groups, and to increase contributions of food and other humanitarian assistance to civilians in all areas of Syria and to Syrian refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries, and their host communities.

We call on the international community, and Syrians from all sides, to negotiate with urgency and seriousness an inclusive political solution to the crisis, guaranteeing the rights of all Syrians. 

In the name of Christ, we pray and work for peace in Syria.