1980 Executive Council Statement Sent to President Carter Regarding Hostages in Iran

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United Church of Christ, “Minutes of the Executive Council, April 13 – 16, 1980. Vote 80 4 EC 58, “Statement Sent to President Carter Re:  Hostages in Iran, p. 53. Reproduced from the Executive Council Collection, United Church of Christ Archives.

Wednesday, April 15, 1980

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bracke at 9:00 a.m.

Worship was led by Ann Chisolm and Clyde Miller.

Chairperson Bracke called for the discussion on the Iranian situation and the proposed statement to President Carter was read:

Vote 80 4 EC 58  Statement (mailgram) sent to President Carter Re Hostages in Iran

After some editing, it was

VOTED:  The Executive Council resolves: The Executive Council of the 1.8 million member United Church of Christ is now in session and is deeply concerned about the welfare of the hostages in Iran. We support the efforts you have used up to now to bring about the release of the hostages, and we urge you to continue those efforts. We believe that the use of armed intervention in the exciting situation would not further the interests of the United States and would endanger the hostages. We pledge you our prayers and our whole-hearted support of peaceful means for ending this tragic situation.

  John Bracke, Chairperson
  For the Executive Council,
  United Church of Christ