An ecumenical delegation organized by Mennonite Central Committee — the arm of Mennonite churches in North America for relief, development and peacemaking — has just returned from Iran. Among the delegation was David Robinson, executive director of the Catholic peace organization Pax Christi USA.
“We traveled to the Islamic Republic of Iran at this time of increased tension believing that it is possible to build bridges of understanding between our two countries,” said the delegation upon their return. “We believe it is possible for further dialogue and that there can be a new day in U.S. – Iranian relations. The Iranian government has already built a bridge toward the American people by inviting our delegation to come to Iran. We ask the U.S. government to welcome a similar delegation of Iranian religious leaders to the United States.”
The delegation called on both governments to engage in confidence-building initiatives such as direct face-to-face talks, ceasing the use of language that defines the other using “enemy” images, and the promotion of people-to-people exchanges including religious leaders, members of Parliament/Congress, and civil society.
“As people of faith,” they said, “we are committed to working toward these and other confidence-building measures, which we hope will move our two nations from the precipice of war to a more just and peaceful relationship.”
For additional news on the delegation and the full text of its statement, go to http://mcc.org/iran/delegation.
Pax Christi’s coverage of the delegation is available at http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_Events_more.asp?id=1215.
Finally, Bridgefolk board member Susan Kennel Harrison of Toronto, who has also visited Iran as part of her work on Muslim-Christian dialogue, recommends a video interview with Mary Ellen McNish, a Quaker representative on the delegation. The interview is available at http://www.afsc.org/middleeast/ht/d/ContentDetails/i/6839.