The National Council of Churches has the answer to the deepening
crisis in the Persian Gulf:  The incident today of Iranian
seizure of British naval personnel underscores in dramatic
fashion our call for diplomatic relations between the United
States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran does have an
ambassador in London and we understand that communications
between Great Britain and Iran are already underway. We pray
that this matter will be resolved quickly and peacefully,
without harm to human life.  The US and Iran should have the
same channels as the United States did with the Soviet Union
throughout the Cold War to avoid circumstances where
misunderstandings, accidents, or other unanticipated events
could lead to a military confrontation. That is why we again
call for diplomatic ties with Iran, believing that a new day for
US-Iran relations is both possible and necessary.  That’s it.
The Iranians grab sailors of the Royal Navy in what may be an
act of war against Great Britain, and the NCC’s suggested