Resolution 2026-08

“Of War, and Peace: Welcoming the Stranger in our Midst”

General Church Budget Implications: None
East Ohio Conference Implications: Yes

Whereas: in Matthew 5:44 Jesus says, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you.”

Whereas: in Matthew 26:52 Jesus says, “Put the sword back into its place. All those who use the sword will die by the sword.”

Whereas: the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 2:4 says, “they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their swords into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”

Whereas: John Wesley described war as a “monster” that excludes reason, virtue, and Humanity. He believed it stemmed from “evil desire, envy, or hatred.”

Whereas: The United Methodist Social Principles, Paragraph 164.F “War and Military Service” states, “The church deplores war and all other forms of violent conflict and urges the peaceful settlement of all disputes.”

Whereas: United Methodist Resolution 6129 “The United Methodist Church and Peace” States, “But we are called to be peacemakers and ministers of reconciliation until our Lord comes.”

Whereas: war occurs when self-interests of powerful groups conflict with respecting and maintaining the health and wellness of all people.  

Whereas: because the temptation to fight is often self-serving, we must examine both the purpose and our objectives before speaking out for or choosing words or actions of aggression.

Whereas: war IS divisive, pitting the interests of select groups, and their actions that will likely cause harm, suffering, even death to our brothers and sisters, but also harming irreparably those causing the harm.

Whereas: unequal access to societies’ resources, unjust treatment of our brothers and sisters, unprovoked attacks of violence on innocent people create injustices that call for those who seek to follow God’s will to speak out.  Not for OUR own gain, but to sustain the health and wellness of brothers and sisters in Christ, and thus a holy harmony.

Whereas: as some have said, remaining silent, ie., NOT speaking out against injustice, which may seem “divisive”.

Whereas: there is, however, a distinction between aggressive action, and standing with others who are experiencing injustice, standing with them, and speaking FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE.

Whereas: Mahatma Gandhi, and HIS witness as he answered a call for JUSTICE, hearing God's voice ask, "whom shall I send?" And the prophet answered, “here am I, send me.”

Whereas: there is a call, throughout the ages, to do good, to do no harm, and “To stay in love with the Lord…”

Therefore, Be It Resolved: we are called to live as messengers and models of God’s love: to comfort, feed, protect, and love one another, our brothers and sisters, The Stranger, The IMMIGRANT … whoever, wherever, they may be … SO, MAY IT BE, WITH ME! 

Submitted by East Ohio Methodist Federation for Social Action, East Ohio Board of Multicultural Ministries, and East Ohio United Women in Faith.