In the Wake of War, Where is Our Moral Compass?
The paths of love, peace, and justice require courage, patience, and vision. It is far easier to declare war than to confront the evils of violence, greed, and bigotry. The recent decision to escalate U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, amid genocide in Gaza and widespread global unrest, is negligent, perilous, and short-sighted.
Israel’s ongoing refusal to honor international demands for a ceasefire or to halt the demolition of Palestinian homes reveals a pattern of disregard for human rights and international law. For the U.S. to partner in such actions, including the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites without Congressional approval and against national security advisement, sets a dangerous precedent. It does not secure safety. It ignites instability, undermines diplomacy, and pushes peace further from reach.
Wars do not end wars. And yet President Donald Trump described this escalation as a “spectacular military success.” That language betrays the humility and moral clarity required of a true commander-in-chief. It diminishes the suffering of civilians and abuses executive power, forcing soldiers and entire nations into a reckless conflict born of ego, privilege, and white supremacy.
Trump, flanked by Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio, and J.D. Vance, stood before the nation in a show of strength and unity. But their performance revealed something far more troubling: a shared allegiance not to peace or justice, but to conquest, greed, and domination. When they thanked God, we must ask — whose God were they invoking? Certainly not a God of compassion, equity, or liberation. Their god is money. Their gospel is violence. And their worship is rooted in the tools of oppression: conquest, dispossession, and militarism.
These are acts that the international community has widely condemned as war crimes and violations of both constitutional and human rights law. Yet the president now postures as a broker of peace, claiming his actions will eliminate threats to Israel. But we must ask: is he the President of the United States or the Prime Minister of Israel? And who, then, will protect the world from leaders like Trump, Netanyahu, and Putin?
These are not questions for elected officials alone. Each of us must ask: Are we using our privilege and power to challenge injustice or preserve it? Are we content with being aware, or are we actively awakening others? Are we asking, “How are the children?” and also acting when those children are bombed in the night?
Trump said Iran must choose peace or tragedy. Ironically, that is the disposition of America. As citizens, we must discern what moral leadership looks like. What kind of leadership will we accept, elect, and entrust with the liberties and freedoms we claim to cherish?
We do not have to accept the balance of three years if it continues to produce tragedy over and over again.
We must insist on peace, love, and justice now. To accept anything less is a betrayal of democracy. And that, in itself, is a tragedy.
With Love and Lament,
Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton
Executive Director
And the staff of Community Renewal Society