“He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.” – Isaiah 2:4 (NRSVUE)
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has stood as The Freedom Church, a body committed to justice, human dignity, and the sacred worth of every child of God. Our spiritual legacy compels us to speak with moral clarity in moments of global crisis.
On February 28, 2026, the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched a military strike on Iran. This action, taken without Congressional authorization, represents not only a constitutional breach but a moral and spiritual failing. Scripture teaches us that unchecked power endangers the vulnerable, and that leaders must be held accountable to justice, truth, and the rule of law. As Proverbs 31 : 8–9 commands, “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.”
Today, we raise our collective voice in response to the recent U.S.–Israel military strike on Iran, an escalation that threatens the stability of the region and the safety of countless innocent lives. As followers of Jesus Christ, we affirm that all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or political boundary, are created in the image of God and deserving of protection, compassion, and peace.
Scripture teaches us that violence begets violence, and that the people of God are called to pursue the things that make for peace. Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The Apostle Paul reminds us, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).
We therefore lament any action by any nation that accelerates conflict, endangers civilians, or deepens cycles of retaliation. We reject interpretations of Scripture that attempt to sanctify aggression or justify harm against neighbors whom God commands us to love.
As The Freedom Church, we have always stood with the oppressed, the vulnerable, and those caught in the crossfire of political and military power. We call upon global leaders to:
- Prioritize diplomacy over destruction
- Protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law
- Pursue de-escalation and multilateral engagement
- Center human dignity above national pride or political gain
As The Freedom Church, we affirm that:
- No leader is above accountability.
- No nation is exempt from moral scrutiny.
- No military action should proceed without lawful authorization.
The Constitution entrusts Congress, not a single office, with the authority to declare war. When this balance is ignored, the nation moves toward authoritarianism, and the people of God must speak. Scripture warns against rulers who act without counsel or restraint, for “where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
We grieve with families in every affected nation of America, Israel, Iran, Palestine, and others, who now live with fear, loss, and uncertainty. Their suffering is not abstract to God, nor should it be to us.
Our tradition has always been one of holy resistance, resisting injustice, resisting oppression, resisting any system or action that diminishes the image of God in humanity. Just as we resisted under Jim Crow, voter suppression, and systemic racism, we now resist the normalization of perpetual war and the rhetoric that devalues human life.
In the spirit of the prophets, we declare our commitment to Speak Out, Stand Up, and Act for peace rooted in justice. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will continue to be a voice for the voiceless, strength for the weary, and advocates for a world where freedom and dignity are not privileges but divine rights.
We pray for healing among nations, wisdom among leaders, and protection for all who are vulnerable. Yet we know that prayer without action is incomplete. Therefore, we join hands with people of all faiths, ethnicities, and political backgrounds who labor for reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace. We pray, as the prophet Jeremiah did, “but seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7). We call on all of Zion, both lay and clergy, to pray for our country and our world.
Your Servants in Christ,
The Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Bishop Eric L. Leake, President
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Senior Bishop
Bishop W. Darin Moore
Bishop George D. Crenshaw
Bishop Hilliard Dogbe
Bishop Uduak U. Effiong
Bishop Brian R. Thompson
Bishop Daran H. Mitchell
Bishop Anthony Witherspoon
Bishop Melanie Rogers Miller, Secretary
Bishop Dwayne A. Walker
Bishop Bernando Ngunza
Bishop Seth O. Lartey, Located
Bishop Joseph Johnson, Retired
Bishop Marshall H. Strickland, Retired
Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, Jr., Retired
Bishop George W. C. Walker, Sr., Retired
Bishop S. Chuka Ekemam, Sr., Retired
Bishop Warren M. Brown, Retired
Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Retired
Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, Retired
Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr., Retired
