THE LIFELINES CENTER

William Sloane Coffin, noted preacher, activist and author, spoke in opposition to war and explained his philosophy concerning just wars in the context of the ongoing crisis. His talk was warmly received.

At a Sunday after-church presentation in the sanctuary, writer and critic Christopher Hitchens presented an opposing view, explaining his reasons why this particular war was necessary and should be waged. He is an engaging speaker with a partly humorous, partly sarcastic approach to the subject, and many in the large audience, who had come expecting to dislike what he was going to say, left with a number of new insights.

The third regular Lifelines discussion actually took place in April at a time when the Iraq war was, for the most part, over and the future of Iraq had become the next problem for America to solve. Father Robert Drinan, formerly a member of congress but now a Professor of Law, discussed matters of ethics and morality regarding the situation in Iraq with William Schultz, former President of the UUA and currently President of Amnesty USA. The discussion centered on human rights issues and the paradox that a war was being fought in the name of human rights. This issue is close to the heart of both speakers although Father Drinan, a Jesuit, approaches it through the lens of his own religious philosophy, while Bill Schultz, as the head of a non-denominational organization, pragmatically represents a wide spectrum of opinion more in line with the varied ideas in Washington and the country at large.

It must be noted that the lively question and answer periods after the Lifelines dinners added greatly to the efficacy of the discussions in this series. Those attending came away with a much greater awareness of the matters discussed than a lecture by itself would have provided.