This Statement of Conscience was adapted by the Peace Committee of the Faith in Action Program, from a Statement of Conscience written by the minister and members of our church. It was approved by our Board of Directors, and was accepted as our church's public position on the issue at a special congregational vote held on November 10, 2002.

We believe it is in the best interests of our country and of world peace for us to act in concert with the United Nations, and not unilaterally, to bring about Iraq's compliance with United Nations resolutions concerning weapons of mass destruction and respect for human rights.

We believe that seeking unilaterally to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein, especially through force of arms, will incite further hatred and violence between the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds and will impede efforts to suppress terrorism, restore stability in Afghanistan, and end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

We believe that the idea of preemptive military action is both against international law and accepted standards of national sovereignty.

We believe that both compassion and prudence dictate that military force should be used only when every other option has been found wanting and when the threat posed by inaction can be convincingly shown to be greater than the destruction and loss of life inherent in military action.

Because of these beliefs, the Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica urges the government of the United States of America to refrain from military action against Iraq without United Nations approval. Instead, we urge our government to work diligently within the framework of the United Nations to pressure Iraq to dismantle its capacity to make, deploy, and use weapons of mass destruction and comply with all United Nations resolutions in the most immediate future.

At Step Up on Second, art heals. Member- artists paint vibrant landscapes with broad, colorful strokes. Writers create deeply stirring poetry. One member composes operas, his eloquent hands passionately conducting the next few new phrases before transcribing it all on paper. As one member’s symptoms of depression take hold, she paints a serene creek with overarching trees and she says she feels better. The paintings, music, and poems of Step Up's member-artists tell the true story of the ups and downs of their personal journey. “Do you know what the good thing about art is?” said one Step Up member- artist. “It helps me learn to be alone but not lonely.” The Creative Arts Therapy program at Step Up on Second helps member- artists channel thoughts and emotions, guides self-expression and discovery, and fosters progress towards recovery from mental illness. Please visit www.stepuponsecond. org and follow Step Up on Second on Facebook and Twitter.

Oversees member development from a financial perspective, conducting the annual pledge drive, overseeing planned giving and working in concert with the Finance Committee to ensure the overall financial health of the church.