Approved by Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Third Month 9, 2008

FIVE YEARS HAVE PASSED since the beginning of the United States' pre-emptive war on Iraq. We Friends of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting (Quakers) were appalled that our government undertook this war. We have been dismayed as the
government put forth excuses for attacking Iraq, and one after another, those reasons have been shown to be false. Many of us joined the international protests prior to March, 2003.

We grieve for the tens of thousands of deaths, for the disruption of millions of lives, and for the immense waste of resources. Indeed, the U.S. has built numerous military bases in Iraq and seems prepared to stay indefinitely. As William Penn reminds us, "A good end cannot sanctify evil means; nor must we do evil, that good may come of it." In our experience as Friends, we understand that war is contrary to the Spirit of God and the teachings of Jesus.
Given this experience and the circumstances, we are convinced that the presence of U.S. troops is a destabilizing force in the region and contributes to the increasing loss of life.

We therefore urge the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops and contractors from Iraq and call for U.S. government financial support for—but no other involvement in—nonviolent and non-military humanitarian efforts to help the Iraqis rebuild their nation. And we continue to pray, speak and work for peace, freedom and social justice.