Bishop Seeks Nonviolent End To Iraq Conflict

In the 1960s, Bishop Melvin Talbert, 69, made a commitment to nonviolence "even if it cost me my life."

Last December, Talbert, now retired after serving the Seattle and San Francisco areas, joined 12 religious leaders on a humanitarian trip to Iraq to witness the impact that years of sanctions have had on Iraqi citizens. The group also met with Christian and Muslim leaders.

The next month, Talbert—the ecumenical officer for the United Methodist Council of Bishops—and representatives of the U.S. National Council of Churches met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"We came not to badger but to encourage the prime minister to use his leadership for peace and justice," says Talbert.

"We're not supporting Saddam Hussein; we're not anti-American; and we're not against our soldiers," Talbert says. "We're convinced that there is a better way to resolve this issue. War will cause needless deaths of innocent people and could potentially create more terrorists and a religious war against Christians." (As Interpreter went to press, a U.S.-Iraqi war had begun.)

Talbert recently appeared in a 30-second commercial for cable television questioning a war with Iraq that led to an interview on ABC News and inclusion on a panel of Christian leaders debating the war on CNN's Larry King Live.

Talbert says he gains the courage to be in the public eye and "stand up for what is right" from Jesus, who said, "Blessed are the peacemakers."