vo Tan CHURCH! IN TUE MARS! ALLS 220 (hurch an the .tarsnail Islancés nas playcd ana will aenarently e.ntinue td play a nurturing and comforting role rather than one of auvocacy. 2 OG omer in In this fradmented society the church is a relatively strong, selfoliant indigenous institution where people can come together in bite of their division. In communities where virtually all persons long to tne church, and where virtually all members of the local oO. a olsvernment councils are church people, it is the custom to speak n political and economic matters through civic channels. “hile we have regretted that a clear, official church statement nas not come forward from the Marshalls on these concerns, many church pecple have spoken out, and we must trust the churches of tie Marshalls to fine their own appropriate official way of response. FND THE INTCR ATI 7 wd CRITICAL ISS:= T 33 VI. CAPD We were at all times made to feel that the concern represented by tne visit was much reeded and deeply appreciated. The Marshallese people want the world to know what has happened to them. They want the whole Church to pray for them and to speak out on their behalf: for their health and welfare; their long-term security; their inderendence and integrity as a people. PDREESED BY THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT eae A 1. While this revert is openly critical of US policy and practice in the Marshall Islands, we must point out that this situation is in a deep sense just a part of the wider problem of the global arms race. The alleviation of the difficulties of the Marshallese people will depend largely upon reducing the need for continued strategic weapons tests. Our response as a global church must be seen in relation to the biblical mandate for peacemaking. 2. Ordinary people in the Marshall Islands consistently told us that the regional and world church must continue to make people more aware of what is happening there. The churches should continue to play a responsible role in strengthening the accountability of the United States and the United Nations for what is happening in the Pacific Island Trust Territory. We should continue to seek guidance frum the churches of the Marshalls in fulfilling this role. 2. Long-term questions of political status are especially critical at this moment in history. Unresoy¥fed health, land and economic problems will tend to influence long-term political decisions. It is important that there be a maximum of open public discussion on the proposed new political status. The churches, both within and outside of the Marshalls, should seek to play a constructive role in this process, particularly in raising value questions. -4-