Faith Community Reacts to Sudan Policy

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Sudan Interfaith Working Group initiated a statement in response to the Sudan policy directive unveiled by the Obama administration. The following organizations signed onto this statement: American Jewish World Service, Food for the Hungry, Islamic Relief USA, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Lutheran World Relief, Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office, My Sister's Keeper, National Association of Evangelicals, North American Imams Federation, Presbyterian Church (USA) Washington Office, The Rabbinical Assembly, Sudan Advocacy Action Forum, and Union for Reform Judaism.

The Interfaith Sudan Working Group's statement reads:

"As organizations of faith committed to a just and lasting peace in Sudan, we are encouraged by the sound plan and unity of purpose unveiled by the Obama administration. For years we have prayed, advocated and provided direct support for those suffering from violence and instability in Sudan and in refugee camps in Chad. This commitment has come from every corner of this nation and virtually every faith community as all of us share a concern for those living without basic necessities under a cloud of violence and instability.

"The new policy is an important first step. All of us know that for the United States to play a constructive role in bringing peace to Sudan it will require a high-level of commitment and prioritization over the long-term. The faith community is prepared to stand behind those efforts that put peace for the people of Sudan at the forefront of this administration's efforts.

"A return to full-scale war and any extension of the untenable and unacceptable status quo are unacceptable to us as people of faith. We hope and pray that this will be an important moment in the quest for a peaceful Sudan."

About the Interfaith Sudan Working Group

The Interfaith Sudan Working Group is a Washington D.C. based coalition of faith-based organizations working for a peaceful Sudan. Member groups agree to a basic set of principles and meet regularly to coordinate work on Sudan from a faith perspective. Groups that are not faith-based receive observer status.

SOURCE Interfaith Sudan Working Group