"The Executive Committee of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), meeting in Winnipeg, Canada during the days of a deepening crisis in our world following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, is compelled to address the very real possibility of increasing violence between nations and among people.

We are devastated by the loss of life and intense trauma experienced by our neighbours in the areas directly affected, and the fear provoked in the hearts of many who observe this violence from a distance. Our hearts mourn with those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. We grieve with those whose lives are filled with fear and uncertainty, and with children whose sense of security has been shattered by these events. We join the many voices denouncing the horror of terrorism, which targets the innocent. For many people this is a time of pain, anger and soul-searching. Why did this happen? What does it mean? Why are people so full of hate?

As an agency of historic peace churches, MCC upholds the call of Jesus to love enemies and live as peacemakers. Jesus calls those who follow him to live as citizens in a new Kingdom and to "seek the welfare of the city" (Jer. 29:7) where we live, to be advocates and builders of peaceful systems and institutions. This way of living includes finding ways to love those we see as enemies and refusing to participate in war or killing. Throughout its history, MCC has stood against a culture of violence by witnessing against war preparation, enemy demonization and the use of military force to solve difficult international problems. At the same time, MCC has worked to build a culture of life through ministries of education, development, exchange, peacemaking and helping people in need.

Our theological convictions and our experience around the world convince us that a campaign of military retaliation will harm many more people and perpetuate the cycle of violence. Therefore, we call all people of faith to speak out against calls for revenge and retaliation.

We speak from years of experience in the regions of the Middle East and Asia, where decades of suffering and struggle, including a history of intervention by Western countries, have led to feelings of suspicion and anger. We join others in expressing concern that perceptions of a war between the "Muslim East" and the "Christian West" are being created. A military strike against Afghanistan risks massive human suffering. In an area of the world where almost half the population is below the age of fifteen years, this experience will shape attitudes and emotions for generations to come.

Because of these realities, we call people of faith to: