"The recent terrorist attacks have been a great shock to people all over the world. They took the lives of thousands of people from different countries, and most of all caused great suffering to the United States. We express our heartfelt condolences for and sympathy with those victims who lost their lives. We pray that Jesus Christ, who passed through death, may be with all those people who remain in deep sadness and distress after losing their loved ones. May the light of hope be given to them to overcome death. During this dark time of trial, we also pray that God will support and guide the churches in the US to reach out to people with comfort and encouragement.

We can never tolerate terrorism. It ruthlessly cuts off human lives, lives for which God had so much love that God gave God's only son. We sincerely hope that the US government will investigate the truth of the tragedy and take peaceful measures so that it may never happen again.

The words " Pearl Harbor," which were repeatedly mentioned during the period immediately after these terrorist attacks, remind us again of the Japanese surprise attack. As a result of that foolish act many civilians were sacrificed, both Japanese and from other countries, including the victims of the atomic bombs. War always affects ordinary people and creates a vicious circle of violence.

In the last few days, we have learned that among the overwhelming majority of Americans who are demanding military retaliation, voices are also being raised by people who desire peace and oppose revenge. We express our admiration for those US church leaders in particular who call for the vicious circle of violence which claims so many lives to be broken. It is our heartfelt plea that these voices may become more widespread, and move American society as a whole.

The lesson Japan has learned from its last reckless war, in which the precious lives of very many citizens of this and other countries were sacrificed, is that war can never bring about peace and reconciliation. War is always declared in the name of justice. However, to take up weapons and fight will never bring about the justice taught to us by Jesus Christ. Christ's justice is realized when the lives of the least are valued.

Owing to the nature of the planned war of retaliation, it is expected to continue for a long time. It is clear to everyone that many civilians will be affected by the war, with livelihoods destroyed and lives lost. Television broadcasts show frightened Afghan people fleeing their homes with few belongings. Military retaliation, before it hits any terrorists, will cause great harm to these vulnerable people. Furthermore, the war of retaliation that the US is about to begin cannot be justified from the standpoint of international law.

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us a new commandment: to love our enemies and abandon the old law of "an eye for an eye." We want to remember his teachings quietly in our hearts, and pray in humility. At first sight it may appear brave to declare a retaliatory war against an "enemy," but in fact this is taking the easy way out, being swayed entirely by emotion. We believe that it would be a far nobler act to bring the terrorists to account under the law, making use of the gifts of reason and patience with which humanity has been graced.

Half an century ago, when Japan had descended into chaos and destruction, it was the United States that gave us assistance and brought us peace and democracy. We sincerely hope that the US, which plays such a leading role on the world stage, will not give into anger and stain its hands with the blood of another war. As Japanese church members we will oppose military cooperation by the Japanese government, and also demand that Japan makes non-violent international contributions.

It is our heartfelt prayer that churches in both the US and Japan may work hand in hand to bring about reconciliation and life together in our world at this beginning of the 21st century. May we together prepare the way for God's reign.

Ms. SUZUKI Reiko
Moderator
National Christian Council in Japan (NCC-J)"

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