• Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches
• Episcopal Church in the Philippines
• Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en Las Islas Filipinas
• Iglesia Filipina Independiente
• Iglesia Unida Ekyumenikal
• United Church of Christ in the Philippines
• The United Methodist Church
• Lutheran Church in the Philippines
• The Salvation Army
• Christ Centered Church
• Apostolic Catholic Church

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

• Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities
• Philippine Bible Society
• Union Church of Manila
• Consortium of Christian Organizations in Rurban Development
• Kaisahang Buhay Foundation
• Manila Community Services, Inc.
• Student Christian Movement of the Philippines
• Women’s Ecumenical Center for Cooperative Education
• Ecumenical Church

September 14, 2001

PEACEFUL DIPLOMATIC NEGOTIATIONS, NOT MILITARY MIGHT

 The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) does not look with favor on the terrorist assaults made on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Far too many lives have been lost. Innocent lives. The trauma of September 11, 2001 will, no doubt, stay with the survivors and the whole nation for a long time. We weep with those who have lost friends and relations even as we realize that no words of sympathy can bring back their loved ones. We share the disbelief of many who cannot fathom the sense of some people’s capability to perform such acts. We can understand the screams of anger calling for retaliation even as political leaders invoke international accords to justify whatever retribution America will take. We commend those who continue to indefatigably clear away debris and tirelessly treat the wounded. Heroic acts of compassion. We are touched by the unity forged among erstwhile political rivals and the bourgeoning international solidarity with the American people. Indeed, we have realized, through the searing pain, that we are all part of humanity.

The fall of the World Trade Center and the attack on the Pentagon call us to a time of profound soul-searching. Why the World Trade Center? Why the Pentagon? What is God’s message to America and to the rest of the world? The sentinels of wealth and power have been attacked by people who seem to harbor as much anger against what these infrastructures symbolize. What has the United States done and what posture does she project globally that can inspire such inhuman acts on buildings which show what she is about and what she holds dear? And what does America plan to do in order to vindicate herself? As we unearth answers to these questions we emphatically declare that military might, will not solve the problem of terrorism. It will only perpetuate a vicious cycle of violence.

As we pray for and with our brothers and sisters in the United States, we call on President George W. Bush to lead his country in pursuing peaceful diplomatic negotiations with countries perceived to host the suspected terrorists. We ask that all Americans deeply reflect on their country’s posturing vis-à-vis other countries. We wish to convey to them that while there is the violence of terrorism, there is also the violence of imposing a nation’s economic and political agenda on weaker nations.

We further remind all other governments that to express solidarity with America does not mean fanning the flames of vengeance for it is written: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody…live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge…" (Romans 12:17-19) 

MOST. REV. TOMAS A. MILLAMENA
Chairperson

MS. SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES
General Secretary