Schmidt was a Peace Corps volunteer for two years in Sierra Leone, and although that country is on the other side of Africa from Sudan, he sees commonalities in much of the continent. "I got to see, firsthand, poverty and, firsthand, political instability, and how our government policies and decisions affect the smaller, poorer nations. And I feel bad because I think there's an apathy toward smaller, non-military, non-energy-providing, non-wealth-producing countries," he said. "I don't think the apathy is deliberate but I think ... so many other things get attention in (areas of) the world where especially the United States has a vested interest." Schmidt said he added his signature to the letter because of "my personal tie of having lived in Africa ... I didn't want the opportunity go by without at least lifting my voice up on this particular issue."
Sierra Leone RPCV Rev. Rob Schmidt, calls for action on Sudan
Two Freeland pastors join call for action on Sudan
By Roger Bryant
for the Daily News
Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 11:55 AM EST
Caption: Diaconal Minister Kim Winchell and the Rev. Rob Schmidt, pastor of Freeland's Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, are among 1,410 clergy who signed a letter to President Obama urging him to work with the international community to bring lasting and sustainable peace to the Darfur region of Sudan. Having lived in Africa for two years, Schmidt feels closely connected to the issue."We are not all called to all things, but we are all called to something," said Schmidt. Photo: Nathan Morgan
A Freeland pastor who lived in Africa for two years was among 1,410 clergy who signed a letter to President Obama about the conflict in Sudan.
"I simply wanted to add my support toward working for a lasting peace, and against genocide, just to support our government in promoting peace, especially in Africa," said the Rev. Rob Schmidt, pastor of Freeland's Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Also signing the letter was the Kim Winchell, a diaconal minister for the Evangelical Lutheran Church's North/West Lower Michigan Synod.
"As Lutherans - as Christians - we are called to love our neighbor and to advocate for those with no voice, or whose voice is not heard," Winchell said. "In Sudan, there are just incredibly awful things happening to so many innocent people. And the world's leaders seem unable or unwilling to make it stop."
The letter, which was delivered to the White House in early October, emphasized the decades of war and famine in Sudan, and urged the Obama Administration to continue efforts to enforce a 2005 peace agreement between north and south Sudan; work with the international community to bring lasting and sustainable peace to the Darfur region of Sudan; and ensure that a 2006 agreement in eastern Sudan is upheld.
In recent weeks, the Obama Administration has announced a new policy on Sudan, offering incentives to its leaders if they improve the plight of the country's people but threatening long-term sanctions if they do not establish peace.
Schmidt was a Peace Corps volunteer for two years in Sierra Leone, and although that country is on the other side of Africa from Sudan, he sees commonalities in much of the continent.
"I got to see, firsthand, poverty and, firsthand, political instability, and how our government policies and decisions affect the smaller, poorer nations. And I feel bad because I think there's an apathy toward smaller, non-military, non-energy-providing, non-wealth-producing countries," he said.
"I don't think the apathy is deliberate but I think ... so many other things get attention in (areas of) the world where especially the United States has a vested interest."
Schmidt said he added his signature to the letter because of "my personal tie of having lived in Africa ... I didn't want the opportunity go by without at least lifting my voice up on this particular issue."
Winchell said that although she doesn't have a personal connection to Sudan or Africa, she has long been focused on people in poorer countries and how climate change exacerbates issues of poverty, hunger and disease.
"My faith calls me to compassion, and to speak out, or act, where and when I can, to help alleviate suffering," she said.
The letter was signed by Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy, and the White House meeting was attended by representatives of groups including the American Jewish World Service, the National Association of Evangelicals, Lutheran World Relief, the Islamic Society of North America, the Episcopal Church, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Armenian Church of America.
"While we represent diverse faith traditions, we are united in our work for peace, justice and the well-being of all God's people. As we lead our communities in action and prayer, please know that we support you in your work and believe that your strong leadership is critical in realizing peace and justice in Sudan," the letter stated.
