Statements From the Trinity Community

Christy Neff, Director of Athletics

As military units reposition themselves for better attack angles, I am reminded again that the eleventh hour is upon us. National Public Radio reported of the excitement among the troops now ready “to do their job.” War hoops, screams and cheering could be hear among the groups of soldiers being told of the United States ultimatum to Saddam Hussein and the impending attack on Iraq. Perhaps this behavior is due to “cabin fever” or excessive groupings of testosterone, but one thing is for certain – a peaceful solution is not considered by U.S. soldiers to be part of their job.

Einstein wrote, “We cannot simultaneously prepare for and prevent war.” Have we backed off from preparations long enough to consider options for peace? Have we challenged our leaders to think creatively about peaceful solutions?

We as people of faith have an obligation to stand together in opposition to killing –anyone. President Bush speaks of this event as a “conflict” and he is right. There are conflicting interests. Perhaps these can be mediated and transformed through a means other than force. Or perhaps we can agree to disagree. Whatever the solution, war is not the answer.

The people of Iraq are no different from you and me; they have nothing to do with this conflict. They do not deserve to be killed anymore than you or me, but for some reason we lose sight of the humanity of war. Innocent people die.

As our country walks away from peace and races toward war, I challenge you to recognize the humanity in the event. I ask you to push our leaders to pursue creative, non-violent solutions to war. And I pray with you that we can be bound to the ways of peace and freed to the bonds of love.

--Christy Neff