Who decides?

Reflections on following Jesus and obeying government

The dilemma is difficult. The risks are real. The response of Christian compassion must be quick and compelling.

But what happens when the actions of the church come in conflict with the government?

A young Presbyterian teaching couple from the United States confronted an African member of parliament about his calls for revenge on “rebels” who disagreed with the government. As a result, the mission workers were pronounced enemies of the state and given 48 hours to leave the country. Local citizens were warned that they would reap the full wrath of the law if they dared speak or meet with these “traitors”. Nevertheless, hundreds of local Christians braved the repercussions as they flocked to bid tearful farewells to the departing missionaries in a spirit of solidarity, hospitality and compassion.

Similar dilemmas arise regularly for Mennonite Central Committee workers who walk with a hurting world and listen to the cries of a suffering humanity.

For several years, at the request of the Middle East Council of Churches and the Islamic Relief Association, MCC has been providing medicines, food, blankets, tents, relief kits, and agricultural and school supplies to people in wartorn, sanctions-devastated Iraq. Permission as required from the appropriate US government department has been sought and received for shipments originating in the United States. These requests for permission always take several months.

At the recent meeting of the MCC Binational Executive Committee, this question was posed: What if these permissions are delayed or denied? With many signs pointing toward the imminent outbreak of war, with leaked United Nations documents reporting that if this happens there would be massive civilian casualties, with immense ongoing suffering caused by the UN sanctions, what should MCC do if providing a compassionate response is prohibited?

These questions go to the heart of our faith. Christ made it clear that when we care for the suffering, we are caring for Him (Matthew 25). He told His followers to feed the hungry (Matthew 14) and to love their enemies (Matthew 5). Paul tells us that if our enemies have needs, we should assist them (Romans 12). The apostles declared that they must obey God rather than human authority (Acts 5). What is the meaning of Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow Me” in this current situation?

These questions penetrate to the core of our experience as Mennonites. Members of our community of faith who were helped by MCC in the Ukraine in the 1920s, in Europe in the ‘40s and ‘50s, in Ethiopia in the ‘80s and ‘90s and in southern Africa today understand the necessity of overcoming government barriers in giving assistance.

These questions are not new. During the Vietnam War, MCC found alternate routes to send assistance to North Vietnam and Cambodia. During the apartheid years in South Africa, MCC provided assistance to refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries, support for political prisoners within the country and spiritual counsel to young conscientious objectors defying the law. All of these actions were taken in order to be faithful to Christ’s call.

What are the options? One option would be to say there are plenty of needs elsewhere and simply bypass this dilemma by assisting those in other countries whom we can assist legally. But is this walking by “on the other side” (Luke 10)? Another option could be to wait to respond until we have all the necessary approvals, even if this means waiting until after a “regime change” (as already requested by a government agency). But is this putting human authority above God’s call (Acts 4–5)? Still another option would be to respond to the cries of those in need regardless of what hurdles are put in the way. But does this issue warrant setting aside the directions of governing authorities (Romans 13)?

To send or not send assistance is a highly political matter, and risks being used by some governing authority for its own ends whatever the decision. People in Iraq, like those in other countries, suffer because their own and world leaders seem more concerned with power and control than with safeguarding the welfare of the “least of these”.

So who decides? What options are most faithful? How can we best demonstrate Christ’s love?

The MCC Executive Committee has agreed to review the requirement of government approval, pending the outcomes of current requests and the threats of war. Like the African Christians coming to say farewell, the spirit of the meeting was one of solidarity, hospitality and compassion for the suffering.

Ronald J.R. Mathies is executive director of Mennonite Central Committee.