Urbane Peachey is president of the board of directors of the Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness.
Right here in central Pennsylvania, members of the Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness, especially those in the Middle East Interest Group, have years of experience in the Middle East in humanitarian work through nongovernmental organizations scattered from Egypt to Iran.
Based on our understanding of cultures and resources of the region, we are concerned that diplomatic possibilities are not being pursued vigorously enough. LIPW is a grassroots network of about 1,000 Lancaster County Christian laity and clergy in pursuit of a secure, sustainable and just world. LIPW took shape out of concern that the Iraq war was misguided and would be disastrous for the U.S. and the people of Iraq. And so it was.
We are concerned that the U.S., along with Israel and other supporting countries, is on a similarly misguided path in Iran. We are urging U.S. leaders to reject calls for military action and indiscriminate sanctions and to establish a channel for communications with Iran to prevent the risks of war.
We urge U.S. leaders to work with other responsible nations to press for sustained, direct and comprehensive negotiations with Iran to end hostilities and build a viable peace in the region, concerned for the security of all. Click here for the article by Urbane Peachey Patriot-News Op-Ed. Published; Friday, April 06, 2012, 5:30 AM
