Christian faith leaders urge U.S. Congress to support Iran deal
Fifty-one Christian faith leaders sent a letter to the U.S. Congress today to encourage the lawmakers to support the Vienna agreement that aims to limit Iran's nuclear activities.
The letter was signed by leaders from the major Christian denominations in the United States, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. In the letter, the leaders warn the lawmakers that rejecting the Iran deal would be tantamount to rejection of a way to make the world a "safer place," according to Mondoweiss.
"We live by God's call to "seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14)," the letter begins. "After decades of hostility, the international community has crafted a nuclear accord to limit Iran's nuclear program and prevent the United States from moving closer toward another devastating war in the Middle East."
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The 51 Christian leaders all agree that they need to voice out on this issue to help promote peace. The United States, being the only nation that has used nuclear weapons at war, has the responsibility to speak out about solutions leading to "nuclear disarmament," the letter explains to the lawmakers.
Friends Committee on National Legislation executive secretary Diane Randall said the Christian communities are coming together to urge the U.S. Congress to vote for the Iran deal. She added that they want the lawmakers to know that the Christian community is one in supporting peaceful solutions over war, the letter details.
The Christian leaders' letter to the U.S. Congress comes as the nuclear agreement with Iran is being met with increased opposition from Republicans, Politics USA reports.
The July 2015 diplomatic deal will significantly reduce and limit Iran's nuclear program. Once the deal takes effect, the sanctions on Iran will be lifted, the report relays.
The letter ends with a request to vote in favor of the international agreement and a promise that the Christian community will be praying for the nation's leaders.
The letter's signatories include leaders from the Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, evangelical, Methodist, Episcopal, Mennonite, Orthodox, Quaker, and Church of the Brethren denominations.
