|
|
|
From Rev John Mann |
|
|
|
Written by Rev John Mann
|
|
Monday, 31 January 2005 |
Dear Military Families
When I first moved to Glasgow, where I serve St. James' Parish Church in Pollok, I would tell people that I came here in order to serve a church where no one had voted for George Bush. That line usually provoked a laugh and it allowed me state up front where I was coming from. In America I had been opposed to the war as a matter of principle. There is also a trend for the politics of American empire to co-opt religion for its own purposes. The same thing empires have done throughout history.
My opposition to the war turned into a visceral reaction when Gordon Gentle, a young man from my parish, was killed in Basra last June. His parents encouraged me to tell the truth at his funeral. With some trepidation I said that the war in Iraq was based on misinformation and lies and that George Bush and Tony Blair were responsible for Gordon?s death, and -
"I have only three words to say and may they someday be inscribed upon the tablet of your hearts, 'shame on you'."
That quote got some play in the media and since then I have been asked to speak at various rallies and to write occasional articles such as this one. The message is simple and clear. The politicians lied and as a result tens of thousands of people have died. The ramifications of that should be apparent.
It was never my intention to become an anti-war activist to the degree to which I seem to have become. I do think it is important for people of a religious persuasion to speak out on the real issues of peace and justice. History has a way of ultimately telling the truth. History will tell the truth of our time. But in the meantime, it is important for truth to be told in order to stand against the forces that seek to write their own version of history.
Someone recently asked me if I was concerned that my activities on behalf of Rose Gentle might pose some conflict of interest with my work as a parish pastor. I replied if that if one loses one's job because of a just cause, then it was not a job worth having. In reality I think my job is safe because many of the people I serve are of a similar opinion on the war. One of the reasons I am so committed to this cause is because I never again want another family to go through what the Gentle family has experienced with the death of their son.
I've attached a few pieces that you can look at and use as you wish: Thank you again for this opportunity to share some thoughts on a very important subject.
Take Care
John Mann |
|
