Today [March 27], Brave New Foundation released a short video documenting religious leaders coming out against the use of Just War Theory to defend President Obama's drone policy.
Franciscan Friar Joe Nangle said it well:
"How can we hold our heads high when remote-controlled, killer aircraft like drones are raining death and destruction on populations half a world away from our borders, on women, men and children who pose no threat to our safety and well-being?"
Rev. Dr. Paul F.M. Zahl said "The use of remote-controlled drones to assassinate targeted persons without charge, trial, or even at least the chance to surrender is about as un-Christian a maneuver as I can imagine."
Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Rev. Graylan, Bishop Gumbleton, Franciscan Friar Joe Nangle, Rev. Dr. Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, and Rev. Dr. Paul F. M. Zahl come together to explain that Just War Theory cannot be used to justify the use of drones.
Rev. Dr. Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, Professor of Theology at the Chicago Theological Seminary said:
"There are too many questions concerning the continuing authority for a 'War on Terror,' to the protection of civilians, to the lack of transparency about the program, to call this Just War. Drones are particularly dangerous as they tempt us, as well as other nations, to consider war 'easy' and 'cheap.' The age of drones, unless checked, will be an age of permanent war."
During this time of rebirth and renewal, these religious leaders remind us that we must strongly consider how our government conducts itself on behalf of our nation at home and abroad.
