The Annapolis Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends believes that we are called to "seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:15) Recognizing that the people of Darfur, Sudan are victims of a genocide that is now into its third year, we are taking an active stand to help in the work to end the cycle of violence there, to promote safe passage of desperately needed humanitarian aid into the region, to allow the safe return home of millions of displaced Darfurians, and to support our nation's peaceful involvement to contribute to a just and lasting peace in the Sudan.

We are led by the words of Jesus at the beginning of his public ministry, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled," and "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:6,9) The words of the Qu'ran (49:9-10) also inspire us: "And if two parties of believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them·. Make peace between them justly, and act equitably. Lo! Allah loveth the equitable. The believers are naught else than brothers."

All people of good will: we urge you to prayerfully discern what your responsibility is to our neighbors in the Sudan, and how you may be led to take action out of love. We invite you to join your efforts with all those working to help the people of Darfur in the following ways: (1) Be informed and spread the word about the genocide. Talk to people, encouraging them to also speak out and take peaceful actions. Write a letter to the editor about the situation in Darfur. (2) Advocate for appropriate and peaceful action by the United States government on behalf of the people of Sudan. Write letters to Senators, Representatives and other officials, urging them to help end the genocide. Write to President Bush or make telephone calls to the White House comment line. (3) Donate money to directly support the African Union peacekeepers and/or hold a fundraising event for them.

To learn more about the situation in Darfur and other ways you might help, visit the website:www.SaveDarfur.org. Together we have the power to stop the genocide. Act now. We must not fail the people of Darfur!