February 18, 2003

The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
United States of America

Statement in Support of a World Respectful of All Lives

Dear Mr. President:

Having seen how irreplaceable lives often have been damaged through changes in international affairs, we, as individuals with faith, steadfastly repeat our prayers for the realization of a world in which every life is cherished.

In this respect, we were deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the terrible accident of the Space Shuttle Columbia. From the bottom of our hearts, we offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to all citizens of your country. We share with you and your people a sense of great loss. The astronauts' contribution to the betterment of humanity will be remembered for many years to come.

At the same time, we are deeply concerned about the situation in Iraq. Regardless of the inspection efforts by the United Nations Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), doubt remains concerning Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction. As a result, the United States is determined to solve the problem, even if that requires military means.

While recognizing Iraq's responsibility in faithfully meeting its obligations incurred under United Nations resolutions, we must not neglect the fact that many invaluable lives are under a threat of military attacks. We are of the strong view that all lives, including those of Americans, Iraqis, and others, are equally precious.

The whole world abides in the great living universe, and every life is a child of that one great life. Each life is inextricably integrated into all other lives. This planet cannot exist without the mutual support of individuals, peoples, and nations. Meanwhile, all human beings, each of whom is the possessor of a precious life, hold both good and evil within themselves. The promotion of goodness and the restraint of evil in the world, therefore, depend on each individual's deep self-examination, which is the very foundation for achieving peace.

Therefore, we, who seek a world that respects all lives, call on the government of the Republic of Iraq to cooperate unconditionally and totally with the United Nations inspections. Such a decisive step can release innocent Iraqi people from the fringe of fear.

We call on the government of the United States to choose the path of peaceful settlement, because a solution through violent means will only create a never-ending cycle of hatred.

Human beings move toward renouncing violence when they aim at a world in which all lives are respected. Non-killing and non-violence are crucial pillars in the contemporary world where tension is so high. The spirit of these principles is indispensable for finding a way out of current world problems.

We acknowledge that the present Iraqi crisis is not a matter only between the United States and Iraq. Rather it is a matter of concern to all human beings who eagerly hope for peace. Whether the current impasse is solved militarily or peacefully can shape the watershed in making the twenty-first century a century of confrontation or a true century of reconciliation.

Faced with the current crisis, global citizens, even people of faith, might think of their limitations in contributing to amelioration of the situation. But we strongly believe that each positive action of an individual will bring about a wider wave of peace. Let us all take the first step in establishment of a peaceful world with our prayers, so as to make this century become the century of reconciliation.

Respectfully yours,

Reverend Katsunori Yamanoi
Chairperson
Rissho Kosei-kai