University Monthly Meeting
of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Seattle, Washington, USA

7/27/06

At their regularly scheduled meeting for business held this day,

Friends approved the following statement:

Recently Lt. Ehren Watada told reporters at a Tacoma press conference
that he would refuse orders to be deployed to Iraq. He is believed to
be the first US military officer to refuse to fight in this war. He
stated, "My participation would make me party to war crime.
Although I have tried to resign out of protest, I am forced to
participate in a war that is manifestly illegal. As the order to take
part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must as an
officer of honor and integrity refuse that order." In addition he
stated, "I refuse to be silent any longer. I refuse to watch families
torn apart, while the president, tells us to 'stay the course.' I
refuse to be party to an illegal and immoral war against people who
did nothing to deserve our aggression. I wanted to be there for my
fellow troops. But the best way was not to help drop artillery and
cause more death and destruction. It is to help oppose this war and
end it so that all soldiers can come home. "
 
University Friends Meeting, (Quakers), of Seattle, in accordance with
our faith's 350 year commitment to oppose all wars, welcomes your
courageous stand, Ehren Watada. We honor your recognition of your
duty under the Nuremburg and UN Charter principles to oppose this
illegal and aggressive war and occupation. We also have gone on
record in opposition to the tragic invasion and occupation if Iraq.
We know that your stand takes more courage than ours and is likely to
have serious consequences, but we trust that by following the light of
compassion and peace you will find clarity and a rested soul. We hope
you will call on us if there is any way we can be of help. We hold you
in our prayers as we hold also the people of Iraq, the troops of the
United States as well as those from other nations, the humanitarian
workers in Iraq, the families of all in harm's way, the leaders of
Iraq and of the United States, and all others affected by this war.