The following minute was approved Second Month 22, 1998 by the Gainesville Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

The people of Iraq are our sisters and brothers. We Quakers believe that the Light of God is in them, as in all persons.

Along with the United States government and the United Nations, we believe that they are victims of their present misguided government. Our nation will be contributing dreadfully to their further victimization by threatening and bombing Iraq. Our humanity and faith require that we oppose such actions and stand witness to our faith.

Disarmament can be accomplished by reasonable, disciplined actions by the US and the UN, such as:

1. Remove the embargo upon shipments of food and health-care materials to Iraq.
2. Implement an international embargo upon all military materials of aggression and destruction.

All humankind will praise and thank the United States for pursuing, patiently and relentlessly, the diplomatic and humanitarian alternatives which will surely lead to resolution of the current tensions. We implore the US and the UN to work unyieldingly in the devising of diplomatic concords now.

Annie McPherson, clerk
Gainesville Friends Meeting