Statements War against Iraq

War against Iraq The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific has released a statement opposing a war against Iraq. The statement reads: War is the worst option. Innocent people will die. Others will have to leave their homes. Some will be impoverished. War will only strengthen extremist ideologies and breed further instability and insecurity. Adventists believe a pre-emptive war against Iraq is in violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter. We appeal to the UN Security Council to uphold the principles of the charter. We also appeal to Iraq to cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors

Adventists also oppose sending Australians to fight a war against Iraq. We believe governments should only send troops if a country attacks another country, and only if governments have exhausted all other ways of finding peaceful solutions. Jesus Christ told us to love our neighbour. This compels Adventists to pray for peace. Prayer is powerful because we can intercede on behalf of the community in Iraq and on behalf of the world's leaders. The Adventist Church is encouraging its members to pray, constantly. Adventists are committed to peacemaking even though it may seem a big task. Ultimately, God promises to send His son Jesus, to guarantee lasting peace. The Adventist Church in the South Pacific released statements on peace in 1980, 1985 and 2002. Click here to read them.