Global Ministries urges US Congress to end involvement in Yemen war

Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ joined 55 other churches, faith groups, and peace groups today in asking that Congress end US support for the Saudi-led coalition’s war and blockade in Yemen through this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This effort would mean ending all US participation in the war, including terminating logistical support, intelligence sharing, and the transfer of spare parts to Saudi warplanes conducting aerial operations.

This Monday’s letter outlines the grave situation in Yemen, stating that this is “a critical time for Yemen, as roughly 16.2 million people in Yemen are at risk of famine. Aid agencies have described Yemen as the worst place in the world to be a child, with the conflict claiming the lives of at least 85,000 children from hunger and disease.” The signatories assert that we “remain extremely concerned about remaining U.S. complicity in the Saudi-UAE coalition’s war in Yemen” and that “Since the start of the war, U.S.-enabled Saudi warplanes have enforced the blockade of Yemen, leading to devastating impacts on food access for millions of Yemenis.”

The letter concludes by stating, “By suspending the sale of arms and ending U.S. participation in the Saudi coalition’s war and blockade, Congress can prevent a humanitarian catastrophe from spiraling further out of control as it reasserts its Constitutional authority on matters of war and peace.”

The full text of the letter can be read here. Global Ministries encourages Disciples and UCC members to send messages to their elected Congressional representatives, as it is anticipated that this amendment will come to the floor for a vote this week, possibly on Wednesday or Thursday.