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News Release

AFSC SUPPORTS THE ACT OF CONSCIENCE OF LT. EHREN WATADA

PHILADELPHIA (JUNE 27) — In a physical show of support for Lt. Ehren Watada, who is declining to serve in the Iraq war on moral grounds, the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization and co-recipient of the 1947 Nobel Peace Prize, will participate in rallies, protests and other nationwide events organized on June 27 by United For Peace and Justice and other grassroots peace organizations.

Speaking from our history as an organization committed to seeking alternatives to violence and war, we trust in the power of the Spirit to guide the individual search for truth and practical action. While Watada is neither pacifist nor a conscientious objector as defined by military standards, the Service Committee strongly believes that Lt. Watada has the right to object in conscience to a war he believes is immoral. Watada’s decision to refuse to fight based on moral conscience follows our belief that each person must follow his or her moral conscience.

The American Friends Service Committee is internationally recognized for its humanitarian work and long history fighting for human rights and against injustice. As Quakers we believe that there is that of God in each person and that love can overcome violence and hate. As we are called to confront, nonviolently, powerful institutions of violence, we continue to express our deepest concern that war is inconsistent with Christian teachings.

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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice

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