Letters to the Editor

Offering relief for the anxious

To the editor:

I would like to clarify the purpose of the forum "Interfaith Gathering in Response to War in Iraq." The article in the paper about the event ("Penn religious groups join to promote peace," The Daily Pennsylvanian, 3/19/03) could be read inaccurately, based on how it was framed, to suggest that the purpose of the gathering was to condemn the war.

In fact, I asked my colleagues to come and offer reflections that might lend support to those among us who are particularly anxious because of the international crisis about Iraq. Some members of the Penn community have loved ones who are deployed or who are eligible for deployment; some have relatives living and studying abroad; some are very concerned about Iraqi children and the children of U.S. military personnel; some are worried about refugees. The purpose of the gathering was to offer a pastoral and supportive response to these and other concerns about this situation. It was not a call to rally against U.S. military action in Iraq, though some of us do hold that position.

The Penn Religious Communities Council and the Office of the Chaplain are partners in supporting and promoting religious and spiritual life on campus. Each religious leader feels a sense of commitment to the entire University community, even as each serves her or his own community. However, there are among us different opinions about the facts on the Iraqi situation and the best route to the peace that all sides sincerely desire.

William Gipson University Chaplain

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.