"It was obvious recently to both his admirers and his critics that the peacemaker became crusader and newsmaker when peace itself was at stake."
"Both he and Patti were dedicated to peace and justice for Palestinian Christians and all Palestinians as they made multiple trips to Jerusalem during their tenure. Much of his book focuses on the Middle East and their personal experiences. We can recall when he met w/former President George H.W.Bush (Episcopalian) in 1988 to stop U.S.aid to Israel unless Israel stopped settlement building in West Bank… Indeed we Episcopalians and all peace-loving people in this world may never know another truly spiritual leader as we all had the honor to love and appreciate. Our heartrending thoughts and prayers are with Patti and all the family in this Great Loss yet so Blessed with enduring Life!"
In addition to our heartfelt condolences, prayers, and great thanksgiving for the life of Edmund Browning, one of the better outward and visible ways our church could remember this wonderful pastor and prophet is through our continuing prayers for justice and peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. And in the nonviolent practices of both Gandhi and Dr. King, this could include, as Bp. Browning clearly advocated, withdrawal of support--personal, financial, political, and military--for the continued illegal occupation of the West Bank, including the growing number of illegal "settlements" on Palestinian land and the current blockade of Gaza, following intense Israeli bombardment and corresponding missile bombardment by Hamas of Israeli towns.
Given also Edmund Browning's steadfast support of disarmament and worldwide nuclear abolition during his lifetime, might we, also, as people of faith, withdraw our taxpayer funding for even new or "refurbished" nuclear weapons (i.e. weapons of mass civilian destruction--weapons of terror) as currently proposed in the next federal budget?
Given the current 1 trillion price tag for new nuclear weapons, our funding instead for a school, a hospital, or a ministry of peaceful accompaniment or nonviolent intervention could be of lasting memory to this wonderful man, and give us all strength, hope, and guidance in putting into practice the teachings of Jesus for the challenging days and years ahead.
"Browning said he answered (then President George HW Bush) that the Iraqi acts were evil (invading Kuwait, atrocities against civilians) but that devastation from war would be so significant it would not regain what was lost: "I said that war would not be to our national interests. If it comes to war, we will have the wrath of Arabs for years to come." (LA Times Dec. 22, 1990)
"As head of the denomination to which President Bush and Secretary of State James Baker belong, Browning quickly emerged during the Persian Gulf crisis as spokesman for liberal Protestants who opposed use of military force in ousting Iraq from Kuwait." LAtimes,July 6, 1991"Both he and Patti were dedicated to peace and justice for Palestinian Christians and all Palestinians as they made multiple trips to Jerusalem during their tenure. Much of his book focuses on the Middle East and their personal experiences. We can recall when he met w/former President George H.W.Bush (Episcopalian) in 1988 to stop U.S.aid to Israel unless Israel stopped settlement building in West Bank… Indeed we Episcopalians and all peace-loving people in this world may never know another truly spiritual leader as we all had the honor to love and appreciate. Our heartrending thoughts and prayers are with Patti and all the family in this Great Loss yet so Blessed with enduring Life!"
In addition to our heartfelt condolences, prayers, and great thanksgiving for the life of Edmund Browning, one of the better outward and visible ways our church could remember this wonderful pastor and prophet is through our continuing prayers for justice and peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. And in the nonviolent practices of both Gandhi and Dr. King, this could include, as Bp. Browning clearly advocated, withdrawal of support--personal, financial, political, and military--for the continued illegal occupation of the West Bank, including the growing number of illegal "settlements" on Palestinian land and the current blockade of Gaza, following intense Israeli bombardment and corresponding missile bombardment by Hamas of Israeli towns.
Given also Edmund Browning's steadfast support of disarmament and worldwide nuclear abolition during his lifetime, might we, also, as people of faith, withdraw our taxpayer funding for even new or "refurbished" nuclear weapons (i.e. weapons of mass civilian destruction--weapons of terror) as currently proposed in the next federal budget?
Given the current 1 trillion price tag for new nuclear weapons, our funding instead for a school, a hospital, or a ministry of peaceful accompaniment or nonviolent intervention could be of lasting memory to this wonderful man, and give us all strength, hope, and guidance in putting into practice the teachings of Jesus for the challenging days and years ahead.
