On February 28th, the U.S. and Israel waged an unprovoked and unnecessary war. Despite a ceasefire being agreed to by both the U.S. and Iran, there are still attacks being exchanged, blockades of the Strait of Hormuz by both sides and the U.S. is spending billions of tax payer dollars on this exercise in intimidation.  

Americans and people in the Middle East are rightly deeply worried by these actions and the statements the administration has made about the U.S. attacks.  President Trump’s administration acted without the authority of Congress and members of both the House and the Senate have raised concerns about the legitimacy of these unprovoked attacks. The Constitution grants Congress—not the President—the power to declare war. The War Powers Act of 1973 mandates that the president must consult with Congress “in every possible instance” before introducing troops into armed conflict overseas. This requirement has yet to be met! 

War against Iran is a mistake: it serves neither the interests of the U.S., nor of the Iranian people. This war risks a long-term and costly engagement in lives and resources.  Lives have already been lost, and more will surely follow.  Here at home, protecting and enforcing our system of checks and balances is essential to the survival of our democracy. We must reject the dangerous idea that any single branch of government should have the unchecked power to decide when and how the nation takes military action.  

The Senate will vote on a War Powers resolution in the next 24 hours directing the administration to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran without a declaration of war or authorization of use of military force by Congress.  As a Just Peace Church, we believe ‘peace is possible.’ Let us urge Congress to assert its authority to take a stand against this dangerous executive overreach and reject the entry of the U.S. into another foreign war.  

As our General Minister and President said in her statement, “The United Church of Christ calls on the United States and the Israeli governments to bring to an end the dropping of bombs which is killing children and innocent persons. We call on Christians to act from the power of God with courage and a love that rejects fear of the powers and principalities of our day that would have us cower to hegemonic power.” Tell your members of Congress to say NO to war with Iran, and in doing so, uphold the checks and balances and block any unauthorized military activity there!