Maryknoll OGC Joins Letter in Support of Iran War Power Resolutions
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns was among the eighteen signatories of an ecumenical letter organized by Churches for Middle East Peace sent to House and Senate offices in support of War Powers Resolutions and in opposition to U.S. war with Iran.
June 24, 2025
While we welcome recent reports of a ceasefire announced June 23, 2025, as people of faith, we write with an urgent appeal for Congress to prioritize diplomacy and de-escalation over war with Iran. We strongly oppose the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Constitution rightly grants Congress the sole authority to declare war—a fundamental safeguard that must be upheld. We urge Congress to exercise its constitutional responsibility by scrutinizing any military action against Iran and by supporting the Iran War Powers Resolutions (S.J.Res.59 and H.Con.Res.38), introduced by Senator Kaine and Representatives Khanna and Massie.
No president should unilaterally decide to take the nation to war. Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran on June 13—and the subsequent exchanges between the two countries—did not justify U.S. involvement. In fact, the attack led to the cancellation of planned U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at securing a new nuclear agreement. President Trump’s June 21 decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites has only escalated tensions, further destabilized the region, and placed U.S. personnel and interests at risk. Already, we have seen American bases targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes.
We believe diplomacy—not unauthorized and dangerous military escalation—offers the most straightforward path to lasting peace and security in the Middle East. Diplomatic channels must be urgently pursued and fully supported. We must learn from the mistakes of the past, including the devastating wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and avoid repeating them. Diplomacy remains possible, necessary, and morally imperative. Congress must reassert its constitutional role in matters of war and peace and pass the Iran War Powers Resolution. We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders. May you seek God’s guidance to pursue peace, protect human life, and uphold the values of justice and compassion.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
American Baptist Churches USA
American Friends Service Committee
Alliance of Baptists
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
Church World Service
Evangelicals 4 Justice (E4J)
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Office for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, Franciscan Province of Our Lady of
Guadalupe (USA)
Pax Christi USA
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
The Episcopal Church
The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society
United Church of Christ
United Women in Faith