The First United Methodist Church of Tacoma has said they will offer sanctuary to any soldier who does not want to go to Iraq for reasons of conscience. The administrative council of the church voted last weekend to open their doors to soldiers, after a Fort Lewis Army officer, Lt. Ehren Watada, said he thought the war in Iraq was illegal. Lt. Watada is currently trying to resign his commission.
The 300 member church was established in 1876, and has a long history of supporting social justice causes. Reverend Monty Smith, minister of the church, says, "Our initiative was because of Lieutenant Watada's gesture and a clear sense that we have, as a reconciling congregation, deeply involved in justice issues throughout the city, that any war, particularly this one, is inconsistent with Christian teachings." Rev. Smith and other clergy have scheduled a friday news conference to answer questions about the church's position.
In other war news, the death toll of American soldiers in the Iraqi War has now topped 2500. How many more soldiers will have to die to sooth Georgie's wounded pride? Isn't it time to show real support for our troops, and bring them home?
Also, the Dallas Peace Center is sponsoring a protest of the war in front of the Federal Building in Dallas today. Join them if you can. This war must be stopped.
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