Some religious leaders have been quick to bless the \u201cframework agreement\u201d\u009d with Iran that emerged from deliberations earlier this month in Switzerland over the Islamic Republic\u2019s nuclear program. That was a mistake.<\/p>\n
Christian pastors and lobbyists representing various factions of Mennonites, Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists and other denominations took out a full-page ad in Roll Call this week to \u201cwelcome and support\u201d\u009d a deal they say \u201coffers the best path to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state.\u201d\u009d The letter cited Matthew 5:9\u201d\u201d\u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God\u201d\u009d\u201d\u201das one Biblical motive for endorsing the framework. It also ticked off reasons why it was \u201cbetter than alternatives\u201d\u009d like \u201cyet another U.S. war with a Muslim country.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Pope Francis lent his imprimatur to the framework during his Easter blessing, and in an April 13 letter to Congress the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops went so far as to oppose congressional review. The bishops wrote: \u201cOur Committee continues to oppose Congressional efforts that seek to undermine the negotiation process or make a responsible multiparty agreement more difficult to achieve and implement.\u201d\u009d Bishops also reminded Congress not to \u201ctake any actions, such as passing legislation to impose new or conditional sanctions on Iran.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
The mullahs don\u2019t seem moved by the display of Christian charity.<\/p>\n