Vv. THE CHURCH IN TUL MARSIUALLS ..e Church in the Marsnail Islands has prayed and will apoearently ecintinue to play a nurturing and comforting role rather than one of advocacy. In this fraqmented society the church is a relatively strong, self:oliant indigenous institution where people can come together in spite of their division. In communities where virtually all persons belong to the church, and where virtually ail members of the local caovernment councils are church people, it is the custom to speak on political and economic matters through civic channels. while we have regretted that a clear, official church statement has not come forward from the Marshalls on these concerns, many church people have spoken out, and we must trust the churches of coe Marshalls to find their own appropriate official way of response. We were at ali times made to feel that the concern represented by the visit was much neeced and deeply appreciated. The Marshallese ceople 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: fcr their health and welfare; their rendence and integrity as a people. VI. long-term security; their inde- CRITICAL ISSJES TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT AND THE INTER IATIONAL COMMONITY 1. While this resort 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 shoulda 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 from the churches of the Marshalls in fulfilling this role, 2. Long-term questions of political status are cspecially critical at this moment in history. Unreso¥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-