UMW Pushes Diplomacy Vs. Terrorism
 
  

STAMFORD, Conn. (UMNS) - United Methodist Women (UMW) called for a peaceful solution to terrorism following a bid to urge US President George Bush to adopt diplomatic means in dealing with terrorism which hit the United States on September 11. 

The call for action resonated from the directors of the UMW administrative body, the Women's Division of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, during its annual meeting, Oct. 19-22. 

In addressing efforts to combat terrorism, directors maintained that global involvement is necessary and the countries of the South as well as the North must also participate in the counter terror decision making process. 

UMW further resolved to encourage its members to reach out to those of other faiths, become educated on the beliefs of Islam, work to prevent racial profiling, refrain from acts of harassment or violence directed at Muslims, Arabs and others, and urge President Bush to press for peace in the Middle East.

Chief Executive Joyce Sohl, in discussing the need for the Women's Division to continue its work against hate and violence, said that terrorism did not strike its first blow on September 11 but it has been and is a part of daily lives in many parts of the world.

"The violence of hunger, poverty and injustice breeds the violence of retaliation and retribution," she said.

Sohl also said that the rise or eradication of continuing violence largely depends upon individual or collective reactions to violence itself.

In the same form, Sohl underscored the importance of maintaining religious freedom especially in countries where religious diversity is apparent and where Muslims outnumber members of the Episcopal Church.

"United Methodists must be willing to engage in conversation, dialogue and community building with our neighbors and let our deeds and words be a profound witness to the Christian faith," she said.

Meanwhile, Women's Division President Genie Banks assured that United Methodist Women will continue to listen to God's call for peace and justice.

"We need to listen to each other carefully, listen to what God is saying to us, and continue our commitment to make the world a better and safer place, not only for us in this country, but also for all of God's children around the world," said Banks. 

The Division President also said that listening to children themselves is especially important for an organization that has historically nurtured, educated and mentored children and she reminded directors that children outside the United States also have needs, fears and wants.

During the culmination of the said annual meeting, Division Treasurer Connie Takemine expressed her concerns on the decline of charitable giving for those other than terror victims of September 11 which adversely affected UMW's Care for Children - a traditional emphasis on the poor.

"There is a homeless ministry just a few blocks from the site of the World Trade Center and whose ministry is actually increasing, but they have had a drought in giving since September 11 and may have to close their doors," she said. 

Takemine stressed that due to the current economic climate, the work of the UMW with the poor and marginalized is needed more than ever.

Article received through e-mail from Susanne Paul - World Federation Representative to the United Nations, New York. You can reach Susanne at globalaging@globalaging.org.