18 September 2001

Responses to 11 September 2001

A Call for Thoughtful Response to the Events of 11 September 2001

by the Alastair McKay, Director of Bridge Builders

We join with others in mourning the loss of lives caused by the horrendous attacks on 11 September 2001 in the USA.  As Programme Director, Mark Thiessen Nation offers a parallel statement for the staff of the London Mennonite Centre, which should be read in conjunction with this one.  This statement seeks to address some of the issues that face Western nations and their leaders in responding to what has happened.  For it is clear that the on-going responses by both the media and political leaders to the events of 11 September will be crucial in creating the space needed for long-term healing and recovery.

Although many leaders were rightly restrained and cautious in their initial responses, it is disappointing that so few have articulated options beyond retaliation or revenge.  While revenge is an understandable human response, long-term peace will require us to find other ways of responding to these attacks.  Our maturity as people and nations can be measured by our capacity for dynamic and creative response, even as we grieve, and not by the severity of any retaliation.

We are worried that leaders are increasingly using metaphors of war to describe recent events. Our concern is that such terminology is being used as a preface to justifying any and all retaliatory acts.  There is no doubting the evil and devastating nature of what has been done.  But, without minimising the events, leaders should be emphasising the need to uphold a commitment to law.  The serious criminal acts that have been committed require the administration of justice, and for the perpetrators to be treated under the due process of law.  They do not call for governments to escalate the likely violence by invoking a call to war.

As we collectively shape our public responses to these events, it might be helpful to consider the following issues.

First, this attack points to the need for security issues to be taken more seriously in the air traffic industry.  Many commentators have questioned whether the hijackers could have fulfilled their plan faced with security procedures similar to those exercised over transatlantic flights.

Second, at the same time, we need to remember that no technology, however refined, can provide absolute security against a determined attacker.  So we are convinced that security measures must be complemented by the development of positive, collaborative relations with peoples and nations around the world and at home, and in seeking just and fair solutions to the world’s needs and problems.  Such positive actions will do more than anything to reduce the seedbeds that can breed such acts of evil and destructiveness.

Third, great care in discussing the identity of actual or potentially responsible parties is critical in the diverse communities in which we live.  All members of our community need to be respected during this difficult time.  We are distressed at the swift emergence of anti-Muslim threats in the UK.  We need to stand with Muslims and those of Middle Eastern origin in our community against any threats of harassment or intimidation.  Even when the perpetrators are identified, journalists and political leaders have a responsibility to remind the public that the vast majority of people who may in some way resemble the attackers have no connection to these events and are as horrified as everyone else.  People of good will may want to reassure those who may be vulnerable to prejudice that we will not stand by idly if they are targeted by hate-mongers.

Fourth, violence is interactive.  It is therefore incumbent upon all Western powers to ponder seriously the question, “What have our countries done, deliberately or inadvertently, in their international relations to inspire such hatred and anger?”  This in no way implies any excusing or condoning of the terrorist acts of 11 September.  It simply recognises that we can only understand the emergence of such violent and determined hatred if we are willing and able to critique our own activities as well as those of others, and to question how our activities may have contributed to what has happened.

Fifth, while it is appropriate for the British Government to express solidarity with the Government and people of the USA, it is not appropriate for British leaders to offer unqualified or unconditional support for any acts of retaliation that the US Government might undertake.  Rather, we hope to see the British Government – representing a significant number of people killed in the attacks – urging the US to apply the due process of law and justice to those who might be accused of complicity in the recent terrorist violence.  This is the same principle that the British Government has historically applied in relation to terrorist violence in Northern Ireland.

Sixth, as the full magnitude of the horror of these events becomes apparent, the repercussions are going to be personal as well as political, social, and cultural.  We will each experience this trauma in our own way and our responses will be shaped by our past experiences with war, violence, and terror.  It is important that we each find places where we can process our personal horror.  We also need to be particularly mindful of the impact of these events on our neighbours whose lives have already included violence and terror whether in Britain or elsewhere around the world.  This may particularly be the case for those who have sought refuge or asylum in the UK.

Finally, for those of us who call ourselves Christians, let us remember Jesus’ call for his followers to pray for their enemies, and the biblical teaching not to avenge ourselves, but instead to leave room for the wrath of God.  For God alone is fit to judge both us and those we might call our enemies.  Ultimately we can rest in the certainty that God will judge each of us fairly and will bring truth and justice to all peoples.  Meanwhile, let us do all we can to advance that truth and justice in our generation, and to work for “the things that make for peace.”

— Alastair McKay, Director of Bridge Builders

on behalf of the staff of the London Mennonite Centre

With thanks and indebtedness to Jayne Seminare Docherty, Ron Kraybill, Howard Zehr and all in the Conflict Transformation Program, Eastern Mennonite University, USA.

See also:
Weeping Over the City, Learning the Things That Make for Peace — Mark Thiessen Nation, Programme Director