Statement from Chris Gwyntopher, London, on the attacks of the 11.September 2001

An eye for an eye?

Taking account of the limitations of words particularly at this time of shock, fear and mourning these are preliminary thoughts on the present crisis.

A time of prayer meditation and seeking the truth about what has happened are needed.

Those injured and the relatives of those who have been killed in the attacks on US institutions or cannot be found need healing in body, mind and spirit. We can offer empathy, prayer and practical assistance like blood donations and shelter for those stranded in the UK.

An eye for and eye only increases blindness. We do not know who the perpetrators of these terrible acts are or why they have planned and carried them out. Most of the easy scapegoats including the PLO, the Taliban, Osama Bin Ladin, Syria, the Sudan, have all condemned the killing or disclaimed responsiblity. It is probable that the attacks are part of a cycle of violence. Continuing that cycle can only bring more terrible suffering.

Great concentrations of power and wealth increase the insecurity of ordinary people.

The technological sophistication of advanced industrial society does not protect its citizens. More air flights mean more potential hijacks. More skyscrapers mean more people vulnerable to such disasters.

The ready availability of hand guns make such hijacks easier.

The ethics of "effectiveness" and the end justifying the means combined with a lack of respect for human life and dignity leads to such horrors. It is a philosophy acted out by the US Government and NATO in bombing Serbia, Iraq, the Sudan and Afghanistan and by Israel in Palestine as much as by whoever perpetrated the present atrocities. The possession and development of nuclear weapons is defended on such pragmatic grounds.

The end is contained in the means. The means must always be consistent with the ends.

Let us cast out the beams in our own eyes so we can see clearly to cast out the specks in others.

Practical actions could include:

• Letters and E-mails to the US President to step back from his policy of revenge, get sound advice and intelligence and listen to Jesus who he professes to follow.
  President George Bush, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington DC 20500.
  E-mail. president@whitehouse.gov
  Tel 202 456 1414 Fax 202 456 2461
• Letters and E-mails to Tony Blair asking him to do the same and not to give a blank cheque endorsement to US policy.
  10 Downing Street, London SW1.
  E-mail tony.blair@geo2.poptel.org.uk .
• A public act of mourning for all victims of organised lethal attack this year.
• Interfaith prayer and meditation for healing peace and justice.
• Public demonstrations for peace and justice and against revenge attacks.