The National Japanese American United Methodist Caucus stands with Lt. Ehren Watada in his public refusal to support the illegal and immoral Iraq War. We applaud United Methodist Bishops Roy I. Sano, Robert T. Hoshibata, and Mary Ann Swenson, who have communicated to Lt. Watada and his family their support of his belief in doing what is right over the need to do what others expect.

As the nephew of an American veteran who was killed in the Korean War, Lt. Watada fully understands the price of loyalty and freedom. Through his refusal to be deployed to Iraq, Lt. Watada maintains the highest degree of loyalty and patriotism by challenging illegal, immoral and unjust rationales for waging war.

We are humbled by his willingness to forego the option of applying for conscientious-objector discharge and putting in jeopardy his career as a United States Army officer. 

Lt. Watada chooses instead to boldly speak the truth.

We call on United Methodists and people of faith everywhere to recognize this moment as a teaching opportunity to speak truth in the face of power, and to walk the paths of justice and peace.