The following is
the text of the resolution passed at the interfaith religious event at the recent
"Nikkei 2000" conference. A
Message from the Interreligious Event, "Faith Intersections," To: Year 2000 National Convention of the Healing Japanese American Wounds from World War II Today, we reflect on the lasting impact of World War II on the Japanese American people and community. We continue to suffer one of the painful consequences of Executive Order 9066, namely the pitting of one group of Japanese Americans against another. We continue to suffer the unhealed wound caused by the ostracism of those who were resisters of conscience by some in the Japanese American community, including veterans who served in the armed forces in World War II. For over one-half century this wound remains unhealed. The convictions and beliefs which led some to be "resisters" are well documented there is no need to repeat them. We affirm and commend the attempts of the Japanese American Citizens League, veterans groups such as the Military Intelligence Service Association of Northern California, Hawaii Japanese American Veterans groups, Japanese American Veterans Association in Washington, D.C., other groups and individuals to bring about greater understanding of, and dialogue with the resisters. As we, the interfaith community, reflect on this wound, we conscientiously ask ourselves, who among us have been marginalized and have not had the affirmation to claim full participation in the community. It is our belief that they are the resisters of conscience. This is confirmed by the resolution adopted by the National JACL Convention of 1990 which states: Be it resolved that the JACL regrets any pain or bitterness caused by its failure to recognize this group (i.e., draft resisters) of patriotic Americans and further resolves to educate our own community and the public that loyalty is not necessarily demonstrated in any singular form but can be manifested in other praiseworthy and admirable acts, and that by this recognition the JACL strives to promote and nurture the healing process of an issue that has divided our community We, the interfaith community, further acknowledge that we are not beyond blame for perpetuating the wound. We, too, are in need of forgiveness. Therefore, in the spirit of our respective faith traditions by which we are challenged to be compassionate, forgiving, humble, peace-loving, and just, we 1. ask forgiveness if in any way, by action or inaction, we have perpetuated the pain and anguish of the resisters of conscience and members of their families; 2. affirm the efforts of the JACL and other concerned groups and persons who have taken steps to bring about healing; 3. urge the National Convention of 2000 to promote and nurture the healing process by offering an apology for not acknowledging the "resisters" stand as one valid form of protesting the denial of constitutional rights and for the pain and bitterness this helped to cause; 4. commit ourselves to continue to work through our respective faith ministries to bring healing and wholeness to our community, and to engage in the continuing efforts to protect the civil and constitutional rights of all. HOME | DOCUMENTS | STUDY CENTER | NEWS | LINKS | ABOUT US | E-MAIL Updated: May 12, 2000 |