By RACHEL ZOLL, AP Religion Writer
A national religious group representing 36 Protestant and Orthodox denominations said Tuesday that U.S. foreign policy is "dangerous" and urged President Bush (news - web sites) to turn over authority in Iraq (news - web sites) to the United Nations (news - web sites).
The National Council of Churches, which has been highly critical of the war, acknowledged that Christians disagree on the issue, but said that giving control to the U.N. was the only way to create "lasting peace."
"Many people see our policy as one based on protection of our country's economic interests narrowly defined, rather than on principles of human rights and justice that would serve our nation's interests," read the letter, which the council hopes will be read in churches nationwide. "We are convinced that current policy is dangerous for America and the world and will only lead to further violence."
Also Tuesday, the United Methodist Church said its Council of Bishops "laments the continued warfare by the United States and coalition forces" and said the U.S. premises for the war — alleged Iraqi links with al-Qaeda and a buildup of weapons of mass destruction — "have not been verified."
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