The Trama of Southeast Asia

Waldron Scott, General Secretary, World Evangelical Fellowship

I do not comment as a representative of the World Evangelical Fellowship, but rather on the basis of seven years of residence in Southeast Asia, during which time I traveled widely throughout most of the countries of the region. I do not think that any Christian should dogmatically state that the tragic events that have been happening there are necessarily of long-range detriment to the people in South Viet Nam and Cambodia. It is possible that the churches might emerge stronger than ever. While there I perceived that many of the people felt that Communism would provide more honesty and stability in government and a better standard of living than the people as a whole have been accustomed to. Even as the United States wants friendly governments in our hemisphere, many Southeast Asians recognize the legitimacy of China’s desiring the same for her periphery.

Billy Graham.evangelist

Our hearts are heavy with grief as we hear the reports of the agony and suffering in Indochina. This suffering transcends political differences, and our sympathetic response should do the same. With compassionate hearts for every needy individual and family we Americans have a responsibility to make available the medical assistance and food required to heal and sustain life for all Indochina’s afflicted people.

We also have a responsibility to pray for those who suffer, that God’s grace, strength, and love will sustain them. We should also give of our resources through private reliable voluntary organizations of mercy. In addition to what the various government agencies do to alleviate the wounds of war, my own organization is accepting gifts for this purpose, and we guarantee that 100 per cent of it will be used directly to help the needy and the refugees.

We should also seek through urgent negotiations to assure the safety of those in South Viet Nam whose lives are in jeopardy because of their religious faith or their relationship to America over so many years. If negotiations fail, we should undertake an evacuation program that would not involve us in the fighting. We are heartsick of war, but we cannot close our eyes to this tragedy we were involved in so long.

Evelyn Mangham,wife of the Director for Southeast Asia, Christian and Missionary Alliance

It is hard to find an orphan in Viet Nam, that is, an orphan as Americans understand the term, meaning without any family. There is often at least one parent alive, and if not, grandparents care for the children. Americans are trying to salve their consciences by this baby airlift. The media has overplayed the situation greatly. Perhaps parents want to see their children safe, or those who run the orphanages want the children out of South Viet Nam, for fear they will not be properly cared for under Communism.

Yet there is triumph in the midst of tragedy in many ways. There are an increasing number of new Christians. Older Christians thank missionaries for coming to Viet Nam. Several, such as the president of the Evangelical Church of Viet Nam, say they’re ready to die. Those people will stay, regardless of the price. Yet, we know that the Lord is still sovereign.

Mark Hatfield,United States Senate

The resignation of President Thieu should give us an opportunity to negotiate an end to the war and avert a bloody battle for Saigon. There is now no need whatsoever to appropriate money for military aid to any Saigon government. The priority for the Administration now must be to assist in enabling a political settlement to end the war and allow safe exit of all Americans from Saigon.

Ronald Sider,Dean, Messiah College campus at Philadelphia

The ghastly evil, agony, and suffering inflicted by both sides is another painful illustration of the fact that violence provokes more violence. If one loves and cares for all persons, both oppressed and oppressors, war is a dreadfully ineffectual way to establish justice.

I am appalled by the evil, corruption, and inhumanity of both sides in Viet Nam. I can only identify with masses of poor persons who simply want peace, food, and justice. But American policy in Viet Nam was designed not primarily to bring justice to the masses but rather to preserve our honor, pride, and influence in the game of international politics. The masses of poor people were mere pawns.

The fundamental question posed by Viet Nam is: Is U. S. foreign policy designed to promote justice for the vast majority of poor people in the world? If not, do American Christians want it to be?

A sampling of opinions on current issues

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