Not Vengeance But Justice
September 19, 2001

A week has passed since unconscionable acts of terrorism in New York and Washington D.C. brought searing pain to communities across the United States. We have watched in horror and sadness as the terrible aftermath of these acts unfolded. We have looked for ways to help and have witnessed an outpouring of solidarity from within and beyond our borders. We mourn the loss of loved ones and friends and of strangers as well.

There are many statements circulating from religious and peace organizations, expressing anger, outrage, and terrible fear of what the future will hold. We know that justice under law for the perpetrators is essential, but many of us believe that precipitous military retaliation is more likely to exacerbate the violence than to end it. We have to eradicate terrorism of all kinds by addressing the hatred and exclusion that sustain it and promoting global solidarity toward understanding and human dignity. Racism, intolerance and scapegoating of our Muslim or Arab brothers and sisters must be resoundingly rejected before they destroy the soul of our wounded nation.

The U.S. will never be the same again--these are watershed days of irreversible change. Surely these events will evoke deep reflection on who we are as a people and how we are in the world. A period of national introspection may help us retrieve a measure of hope out of the havoc and begin to transform our relationships with other peoples and nations. Perhaps now is the time to ask "Why?" and to address the roots of entrenched anti-U.S. sentiment around the world.

In the coming weeks,

  • Engage in dialogue. Ask questions. What are the roots of the rage that led to this terrible event? What do we need to learn in ensure that U.S. foreign policy becomes an instrument of solidarity and peace?

  • Condemn acts of aggression against Muslims and Arabs. Show support for Muslim and Arab Americans during this time, when they are sure to be feeling frightened and stressed. Promote interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue.

  • Write letters to the editor of your local papers, expressing support for restraint.

  • Contact your members of Congress. Tell them to use careful thought when considering whatever response the nation makes, and not to take precipitous military action. Go to NETWORK's website to sign a message to Congress: (NETWORK is the national Catholic social justice lobby.) http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=50216

  • Visit Pax Christi USA's website - http://www.paxchristiusa.org -- for prayer service resources. Also, check Sojourners' website - http://www.sojo.net -- for statements, prayers and resources.

In the days and months ahead, may we resist the overwhelming temptation to revenge--honoring the memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon by pursuing a course of action that is guided by truth, refuses to exacerbate the violence, promotes understanding and reconciliation and leads to justice under international law.

Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns: Peace, Social Justice & Integrity of Creation
web site: ogc@maryknoll.org
telephone: 202-832-1780