We, the 48 congregations
of the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren, meeting
at our District Conference on September 15, 2001 at the Middlebury
Church of the Brethren, express our horror and sadness at the recent
acts of violence experienced within our country, and extend our prayers
for all whose lives have been affected by the destruction and violence.
Nevertheless, as a church committed to peace, we strongly urge the
use of nonviolent approaches and interventions in whatever ways our
country - and specifically you as national leaders - choose to respond.
It is our conviction that only as we have the courage to respond to
violence in nonviolent ways that the cycle of violence can be broken
and true freedom and peace be restored.
We will continue to pray
for our nation and for you as leaders. Our prayer is that the God
of peace will inspire, strengthen, and guide you.
