In recent days, military strikes and retaliatory attacks involving the United States, Israel and Iran have escalated rapidly.  This widening conflict threatens to draw the region into the devastation of a broader war, placing civilian lives at grave risk and increasing instability across the Middle East. U.S. service members may also face expanding involvement in a conflict whose scope and duration remain uncertain. 

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long affirmed that decisions of war and peace require careful deliberation, lawful oversight, and a commitment to diplomacy. Our General Assemblies have consistently stated that military force must be a last resort and that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential to lasting peace.

Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress, not the President alone, has the authority to declare war. Yet this military action began without formal congressional authorization.

Congress is expected to vote tomorrow on a War Powers Resolution that would require authorization for continued hostilities.

Now is the time for Congress to fulfill its constitutional responsibility.

Contact your Senators and Representative and urge them to:

• Support the War Powers Resolution
• Reassert Congress’s authority over decisions of war
• Prevent further unauthorized military escalation
• Prioritize diplomacy and the protection of civilian life

Faithful citizenship includes holding our leaders accountable for how power is used.  Urge Congress to act now to prevent further escalation and uphold its constitutional responsibility.