Inter-faith Statement on Sudan
As faith-based organizations engaged in humanitarian relief and advocacy, we speak
with one voice for a peaceful and stable Sudan. We support diplomatic and multilateral
efforts for the purpose of achieving sustainable peace throughout Sudan.
Our diverse faith traditions call us to be active in seeking peace and to speak on
behalf of all who suffer violence and oppression, regardless of faith, race, color or
creed. The Hebrew Talmud tells us that “Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as
if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he
saved an entire world.” (Jerusalem Talmud, Sanhedrin 4:8 (37a)). The Qur’an states
"We have created you male and female, and appointed you nations and tribes, that
you may come to know one another.” (Chapter Dwellings 26, Verse 13). The New
Testament proclaims “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children
of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5:9-10).
We commend leadership efforts already taken by our government, especially the role
the U.S. played in brokering the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed
between north and south Sudan in 2005. At the same time we know that Sudan
remains in a state of crisis. The Darfur crisis continues to affect the lives of millions
of people, and progress on the implementation of key CPA provisions continues to be
slow, further jeopardizing the stability of the entire country.
As leaders within the United States Government, we urge you to work with the
international community in crafting a solution that will protect the dignity of all
human beings. We request your immediate attention to the following key areas that
we view as critical in ensuring sustainable peace in Sudan, including:
- Develop a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of conflict,
negotiates an end to the fighting, and receives broad international support.
- Approach the situation in Sudan holistically. Each region has its own strengths
and challenges, needs and resources, yet no region exists in a vacuum. In
order to pursue a long-term solution that promotes the common good for
people throughout Sudan, the needs of the entire country must be
considered.
- Alleviate suffering by addressing the needs of internally displaced persons and
refugees. In addressing these needs, it is critical that we recognize human
beings are not identical and require individual treatment, paying particular
attention to the needs of the most vulnerable victims.
- Commit to long-term reconstruction and development. Conflict and
marginalization have left much of Sudan lacking in health, education and
economic development, causing further hardship to its people.
- Support national and international efforts, including African Union and United
Nations efforts to protect internally displaced persons in makeshift camps, as
well as aid workers, by peaceful means. This should include sufficient financial
support, technical support, personnel, and monitoring for activities.
As faith-based organizations representing Jewish, Christian, Muslim and other
religious constituents in the United States, we call attention to the moral issues
raised by a lack of action to end the crisis in Sudan. By supporting policies that
uphold the human dignity of each person, all of whom are made in the image of God,
we hope the people of Sudan can one day live in justice, dignity and peace. As our
elected officials we urge you to engage our government and the international
community in a collective effort to create peace in Sudan.
WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.
