June 25, 2025, Washington D.C.- Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) joined 19 National Christian Denominations and Organizations in a letter to Congress supporting the Iran War Powers Resolutions (S.J.Res.59 and H.Con.Res.38), introduced by Senator Kaine and Representatives Khanna and Massie. While CMEP welcomes recent reports of a ceasefire announced on June 23, it is still imperative for Congress to officially weigh in to ensure the United States is not drawn into another war. We believe diplomacy is the best path forward. As the letter states, "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." A copy of the letter is below.
June 24th, 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 Mennonite Central Committee U.S. National Council of Churches 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 | 
