Reconciling Violence, Terrorism, and War: a Path Forward

We should all be well aware that America is most decidedly *not* the standard bearer of human rights, justice, and freedom. In fact, I believe we are a serious laggard in all 3 areas. America is the guilty party in 2 of the most bloody Genocides in human history, that of exterminating over 100 Million North American Aboriginal People, and at least 40 Million Africans. Neither of those people's have freedom in America, to this very day. If anything, America has far more to atone for than anyone in Europe does.
 This week I embark on a trip, which is for the purpose of attending a Triennial World Conference, for my church. There will be many things to celebrate and rejoice in, many friends to meet for the first time, as well as new friends to make. What makes me truly excited to be attending for my first time, and also as a voting delegate. We will be voting on many resolutions, some of which will, after much deliberation, become doctrine and/or policy. One resolution in particular grabs my attention. It is one that rejects all forms of , Violence, including acts of terrorism, war, and financing wars". What is to be rejected here....what is objectionable? The failure to pass, explicitly and publicly proclaims that we are for those horrible things. Do we need to be reminded that America has not won a war in nearly 75 years. It is not a fluke. There has not been a justifiable war America has been involved in since. Granted there has been justifiable war, but America chose not to enter those.

But the fact that America is involved in perpetrating more than 36 wars all over the world right now, and contemplating several coup-de-etat's, i.e. Venezuela, utilizing methods of terrorism, and drones, to bomb civilian populations, and the United States spends 75 cents of every dollar of Public Money, on it's Military Industrial Complex. These wars are being perpetrated in yours and my name, whether we agree with them or not. Would Jesus have us support these things? I think not.

There is nothing about this that is anti Military Service. As I stated, I served in the Army, and all my siblings have served in every branch of the Military. My Father is a Holocaust Survivor, and always explained to me war is evil, barbaric, and wrong, always. We have to be very morally justified to ever enter into another war, and commit barbarism. 

Certainly there is no one in this church that can, with a straight face, stand up and say they are for, and support terrorism, in any way shape or form. It is unequivocally the most un-Godly act that can ever be perpetrated. Violence Against the Earth, is another important issue addressed in the resolution. America is 4% of World population, raping the world, primarily the Southern hemisphere, of 60% of the worlds resources That is unjust, and immoral, and cannot stand in perpetuity. We stand by and acquiesce to Fossil Fuel Companies rape the Rain Forest, and commit genocide against indigenous people. That cannot be supported, or allowed to stand. 

Ideologies of Injustice and/or violence, is a no brainer. If we can't openly agree that things such as, but not limited to; nationalism, white-nationalism,populism, racism, bigotry, sexism, classism, colonialism, imperialism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia are out and out evil, abhorrent, and wrong, then we are doomed. We're talking Nazism/ Fascism. The Church cannot be seen as being *for* these things. 

Finally, the best part of the resolution: we support a global, ecumenical, and interfaith actions, toward Justice and Peace ***For-All***. I love it. This is one of the most well thought, ecumenical, peace-loving, Christ-Like resolutions I have ever seen in my life. I for one, am fully on board, and have every intention to vote for this, and I hope you'll join me, in wrestling the earth from fools, and making heaven a place on earth.
My church will be discussing many things, and I accept, and celebrate that our church uses a consensus form of dialogue before making any declarative statements. I agree with that. I just hope that I won't be alone in voting my heartfelt conscience, in what I know in my discernment of how to be a disciple of our creator God. I am always eager to dialogue with people, and make the world a better place. Please pray for me, do express the will of God, in a fair and honorable manner.