Here's a comment from the paper. Strange way to be neutral.
http://www.guampdn.com/news/stories/20030321/topstories/1217452.html
Bruce Cook of the Jehovah's Witnesses said his faith takes no stance when it comes to war.
"We have a long history of neutrality," he said. "We have members all over the world, so if we go to war we would be fighting against ourselves."
"Should Saddam be removed? Yes. Should he be removed through war? No," Cook said. "Is Bush proving himself to be not much better than Saddam? Yes."
Friday, March 21, 2003
War news met with prayers for peace, safety
By Katie Worth Pacific Daily News; [email protected]
Guam's faithful responded with prayer to the announcement of war.
Catholic altar server Lester Gonzales said yesterday's noon Mass in Hagåtña's Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica was filled to capacity, and he expected an even larger crowd at the 6 p.m. service.
Tinnah Dela Rosa, 32, of Dededo said she felt it was especially important for her to attend Mass yesterday.
"I try to come to Mass as often as I can, but I made a more concerted effort today," she said. "I don't believe that we should stop praying for peace just because we're at war now. ... It's not the end of prayer, it should be the beginning."
Gerhard Schwab, chairman of the Commission on Justice and Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of Agana, explained why he thinks Masses were crowded yesterday.
"Nobody, not even President Bush, knows where all this is going to go, and in times of heightened insecurity, churches provide some sanctuary, an anchor where we can tie ourselves," he said. "And it is such a sad day for all of us who were hoping for peaceful resolution."
People of all faiths responded with prayer yesterday.
"Our prayers are for the human race -- all of the human race, irrespective of who or what they are," said Muslim community member Mena Abawi, 55, of Chalan Pago.
In a printed statement, Pastor Jared Baldwin of the Harvest Baptist Church said that he and his ministry will continue to pray for peace and for protection of the men and women in the armed forces.
Gina Burke, wife of the pastor of the Church of God in Yigo, said about half of those in the congregation are military members and their families.
"We have many services here for them -- Bible studies, support groups for wives. We try to provide that feeling of family away from home," she said.
Bruce Cook of the Jehovah's Witnesses said his faith takes no stance when it comes to war.
"We have a long history of neutrality," he said. "We have members all over the world, so if we go to war we would be fighting against ourselves."
"Should Saddam be removed? Yes. Should he be removed through war? No," Cook said. "Is Bush proving himself to be not much better than Saddam? Yes."
Altar server Gonzales said he also believes the war is premature.
"I think our president has too much pride, and didn't want to back down," he said.
But Gonzales said he is staying positive.
"There's always hope for everything."
Blondie
