Orange Grove Friends Oppose Political Assassination and War on Iran

On First Day, January 12^th, 2020, Orange Grove Friends demonstrated on the corner of Los Robles and Orange Grove Boulevard using a banner from Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace, an organization we often partner with. Among those present were Blake Arnold, Nina Rivinus, Kim and Alex Hopkins, Cecilia Valentine, Edie Salsbury, Betsy Janson, Jean and Cliff Lester, and Anthony Manousos. On the following week, Orange Grove Meeting approved a minute of concern that was sent to our elected officials (Rep. Judy Chu and Senators Harris and Feinstein).    

I am deeply grateful to be part of a Quaker meeting that takes our Peace Testimony seriously and stands up against war and assassination!

Here’s the text of our  minute of concern:

Consistent with our belief that there is that of God in everyone and war is not the answer, Orange Grove Meeting Friends (Quaker) Meeting stands utterly opposed to political assassination as a tool of foreign policy. Killing foreign leaders doesn’t advance the cause of peace. It has the opposite effect: it provokes retaliation and further violence. To deescalate the violence in the Middle East, we urge you to take the following 

·      Speak out publicly against this assassination and pass the resolution opposing war on Iran.  

·      Urge the President to resume negotiations with Iran and be open to reducing sanctions and making other concessions as an expression of good faith.

·      Support repealing the Authorization for the Use of Military Force, which has been used by Presidents as a blank check to justify military interventions. 

FCNL Statement Regarding Iran Crisis

 “As a Quaker organization, the Friends Committee on National Legislation holds firm to the faith that war is not the answer. Our lawmakers have repeatedly failed to stop the march to war with Iran and return our nation to the path of diplomacy. This moment calls for political courage.

“The House and Senate have introduced bills, H.R. 2354 and S. 1039, that would ensure the president cannot take military action against Iran without congressional authorization – except in response to an attack on America or its armed forces.”

FCLN also urges us to contact our elected officials to let support the War Powers Resolution and Congressman Ro Khanna’s bill to defund any military action against Iran: HR 5543.. You may decide to support these bills, or to opt for opposing war on Iran for any reason.

Senator Kamala Harris: 11845 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1250W Los Angeles, CA 90064. Phone (310) 231 - 4494. Email: https://www.harris.senate.gov/contact

Senator Dianne Feinstein: 11111 Santa Monica Blvd #915, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Phone: (310) 914-7300. Email: https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me

Representatiive Judy Chu: 527 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

You can also contact elected officials via fcnl.org.