Religious voices against war on Iraq
		Click here for more action resources   RELIGIOUS VOICES Blocking war remains high on Vatican to-do list Vatican diplomacy aimed at blocking a war in Iraq continued this week, with a visit from English Prime Minister Tony Blair and comments from Vatican officials suggesting that armed force without U.N. authorization would be a crime, and that the U.S. may be acting on the basis of oil interests.  Source: National Catholic Reporter, Feb 28, 2003 http://nationalcatholicreporter.org/word/word0228.htm Stepping back from the precipice Reasons to oppose a U.S.-led attack against Iraq include the moral -- Pope John Paul II's voice is perhaps the most prominent among those who see war as a defeat unto itself. But some also claim practical reasons, with a wide spectrum of political, military, labor and religious leaders questioning whether war is the only means to achieve an end that is nearly universally shared: the demilitarization of Iraq. Below is a sampling of antiwar thought: Source: National Catholic Reporter, Feb 28, 2003 http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/022803/022803e.htm Ecumenical group says Iraqi war would destroy people An international ecumenical group of church leaders, meeting on Capitol Hill, said a war against Iraq would further destroy an already impoverished land. Source: Catholic News Service, Feb 28, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20030227.htm#head4 Chehab: Berri backs Christians on Iraq Maronite League head says trouble looms. Source: Labanon Daily Star, Feb 28, 2003 http://www.dailystar.com.lb/28_02_03/art12.asp   Catholic Commission highlights war crimes warning for Australia Melbourne's Catholic Commission for Justice Development and Peace has amplified the warning of 42 eminent international law experts who signed a statement declaring that an invasion of Iraq may constitute a war crime and crimes against humanity. Source: AAP, Feb 27, 2003 http://www.aapmedianet.com.au/scripts/DisplayRelease.dll?id=336390 U.S. ambassador to Vatican rejects criticism of unilateralism on Iraq U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Jim Nicholson rejected criticism of U.S. "unilateralism" on Iraq, saying the United Nations has already provided for the possibility of armed intervention if Iraq refuses to disarm. The ambassador's comments followed a statement by Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, a Vatican foreign affairs official, who said a U.S. attack on Iraq without U.N. authorization would be a "crime against peace" and a violation of international law. Source: Catholic News Service, Feb 27, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/20030226.htm U.S. bishops say U.S.-led war with Iraq lacks 'moral legitimacy' The U.S. bishops reiterated their opposition to an American-led war against Iraq, saying an attack lacked "moral legitimacy." Source: Catholic News Service, Feb 27, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20030226.htm#head5 Milwaukee Jesuits oppose military action in Iraq The Rev. Thomas Caldwell said anti-war sentiment is strong among Marquette's Jesuits, who are in general agreement with the shared stance from Jesuits and Catholics nationally and worldwide. Source: Marquette Tribune, Feb 27, 2003 http://134.48.55.172:8000/tribune/tribunegetnews.shtml?n-jesuits022703 Words of peace decorate South Carolina Catholic School What is peace? To sixth-grader Laura Marion, it means no war, no hate, loving more and feeling great. Source: Herald Online, Feb 27, 2003 http://www.heraldonline.com/local/story/2262532p-2132392c.html Priest urges war alternative A Catholic priest and chaplain during the Vietnam War told a meeting of the Leelanau County Democrats Wednesday that Americans need to embrace a non-violent solution to the crisis in Iraq. Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle, Feb 27, 2003 http://www.record-eagle.com/2003/feb/27priest.htm Will you wear the name of an Iraqi child? Bishop Steven Charleston, President and Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) in Cambridge, Massachusetts announced today the school's call to conscience action in response to the growing crisis between the United States and Iraq. EDS has created a series of peace pins on which the name of an Iraqi child and a dove is printed. These pins are designed as a visible reminder of the human cost of armed conflict. http://www.episdivschool.edu/whatsnew/Recent%20Press%20Releases.htm       Defend war actions:Ausralian Bishop BunburyCatholic Bishop Gerard Holohan has called on the Australian Government to defend its decision to support a war in Iraq. Bishop Holohan challenged the auth-ority of the Australian, United States and United Kingdom governments in deciding what action should be taken. Source: Bunbury Mail, Feb 26, 2003 http://bunbury.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&story_id=211827&category=General+News&m=2&y=2003 Vatican summons ambassadors, steps up diplomatic efforts on Iraq Stepping up its diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Iraqi crisis, the Vatican's foreign minister summoned all Vatican-accredited ambassadors for a meeting aimed at underscoring the fundamental role of the United Nations. Source: Catholic News Service, Feb 25, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20030225.htm#head5 Vatican official, Muslim leader send letters to Bush, Blair, Saddam A Muslim leader and a Vatican official have asked U.S. President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to avoid war. Source: Catholic News Service, Feb 25, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20030225.htm#head6 Bishop calls for Muslim-Christian solidarity as war looms The Rt Reverend Kevin McDonald, Catholic Bishop of Northampton and chairman of the Church's Committee on other faiths, has called for Muslims and Christians to build positive dialogue and co-operation. Source: Independent Catholic News, Feb 26, 2003 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/bnorth.html Prelates of Jerusalem, Sarajevo and Baghdad Call for Peace The Latin-rite patriarch of Jerusalem, the archbishop of Sarajevo, and the patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans joined their voices to the Pope's in a plea for peace in Iraq. Source: Zenit, Feb 25, 2003 Unilateral War Would Be a "Crime Against Peace," Says Archbishop At a conference on peace held today in Rome, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Vatican secretary for relations with states, referred to Paragraph 4 of Article 2 of the U.N. Charter, which states that nations must not engage in war as a means to resolve international differences. Source: Zenit, Feb 24, 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=31818 Pope tells Blair 'no' to war; church opposition to Iraq attack mounts In a private audience with one of the staunchest supporters of possible military action against Iraq, Pope John Paul II told British Prime Minister Tony Blair to make every effort to avoid war and "spare the world new divisions." Source: Catholic News Service, Feb 24, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/20030224.htm Victoria's religious leaders condemn Iraq war Despite the Prime Minister condemning Australians who've protested against his Iraq policy, today in Victoria, 16 religious leaders have now added their voices to the anti-war throng. In a letter published in the Melbourne Age this morning, the religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, have warned that war against Iraq will have "unacceptable humanitarian consequences" and will "fuel discord between Christians and Muslims". Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Feb 21, 2003 http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/s789936.htm Message of peace from a dusty field in Baghdad A wonderful thing happened this morning at our vigil in a field across from UN headquarters in Baghdad. We've made an encampment there with an open-sided tent and several large banners that read Let The Inspections Continue, Inspections Yes, Invasion No and Let There Be Peace on Earth. There are TV and newspaper crews from around the world who interview us each day. Source: Catholic Voice, http://www.catholicvoice.com.au/174/n_03.htm Anti-war prayer vigil unites Catholics More than 100 area Catholics prayed for a peaceful solution to a possible war with Iraq at a prayer vigil Sunday at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Bethlehem. Source: Allentown Morning Call, Feb 24, 2003 http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/trib/20030224/lo_mcall/anti_war_prayer_vigil_unites_catholics Pope calls for all Catholics to fast on March 5 against war in Iraq Pope John Paul II called on Catholics to fast on Ash Wednesday in the name of peace and said again on Sunday he worried a U.S.-led war against Iraq could unsettle the entire Middle East. Source: AP, Feb 24, 2003 http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030223/ap_to_po/vatican_iraq_1 Vatican Statement on Pope's Meeting with Tony Blair Solution to Iraqi Crisis Must "Spare the World New Divisions" Source: Zenit, Feb 23, 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=31784 No Alternative to Peace," Says Vatican Newspaper As tension over Iraq mounts, it is "a duty to repeat" that peace is the only alternative, the Vatican's semiofficial newspaper said. Source: Zenit, Feb 23, 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=31779 Vatican - Not anti-US, just anti-war As the possibility of war in Iraq grows, the Church is also feeling the heat. The repeated pleas for peace issued by the Pope, members of the Roman Curia and assorted bishops' conferences have been criticized by some observers as evidence of either unjustified interference, mere pacifism or not-so-subtle anti-Americanism. On closer examination, however, none of these charges holds water. Source: Manila Times, Feb 23, 2003 http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2003/feb/23/opinion/20030223opi3.html U.K. Church leaders doubt morality of war Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales, issued a rare joint statement last night, warning that doubts still persisted about the moral legitimacy of a war in Iraq. Source: The Guardian, Feb 20, 2003 http://www.guardian.co.uk/religion/Story/0,2763,899234,00.html Catholic nuns take peace message to radio station in Midwest Hoping to counter the country's moves toward war, communities of women religious in the Midwest are adding their voices to those calling for alternatives to war and efforts toward peace. Source: Catholic News Service, Feb 19, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20030219.htm#head2 Ecumenical church leaders discuss Iraq with Tony Blair An ecumenical delegation of church leaders met yesterday with Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development and UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to convey a message of deep concern about the looming war with Iraq. Source: Independent Catholic News, Feb 19, 2003 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/loom.html Bishop Pat O'Donoghue of Lancaster supports cry of the marches - no to war! My Christian conscience is troubled by the fact that hundreds of thousands of Iraqis will die as a result of a war. The World Health Organisation estimates that there could be 100,000 casualties and another 400,000 thousands affected by internal displacement and disease. Millions may have to flee as refugees. I believe nothing can justify such human carnage and displacement. I believe that the £2 billion set aside by the Chancellor for the war should go to help the world's poor, saddled, as they are, with debt, starvation, underdevelopment and the HIV pandemic. Source: Independent Catholic News, Feb 18, 2003 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/podmar.html Spanish theologian says Just War is old hat The just war theory has given way to a commitment to building a new just world order, according to Spanish Redemptorist theologian Marciano Vidal. Source: Vidimus Dominum, Feb 15, 2003 http://www.vidimusdominum.org/giornale/EN/newsinfo/2003/N030215-03[d11.asp? Vatican backs efforts to prevent Iraq war, disarm Saddam Meanwhile, Catholic leaders and organizations joined a growing anti-war movement that stretched across the globe and spilled into the streets of major cities on every continent. Source; Catholic News Service, Feb 17, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/20030217.htm New York prayer service, rally held to protest impending Iraqi war A Feb. 15 interfaith prayer service with retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other speakers at a Catholic parish near the United Nations drew hundreds of people and served as a prelude to an afternoon anti-war rally that drew thousands. Source: Catholic News Service, Feb 18, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20030218.htm#head1 Anti-War Faithful America's anti-war movement is becoming increasingly couched in religious terms, as faith-based groups play more vocal roles in protests. Source: ABC News, Feb 16, 2003 http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/Politics/religion_antiwar030216.html Peacemaker's words from the crucible Among the most notable who have placed themselves literally in the crucible, in Baghdad as the war clouds roll in, is Kathy Kelly, who has taken her 20th trip to Iraq since her Voices in the Wilderness campaign to end the sanctions and avert further war in Iraq began in 1996. Source: National Catholic Reporter, Feb 14, 2003 http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/021403/021403p.htm American Catholic leaders protest Novak visit to Vatican A letter signed by more than 60 American Catholics, including prominent laity and men and women religious, protests the decision of the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican to bring Michael Novak, a conservative Catholic intellectual, to Rome to argue for the morality of a "preventive war" in Iraq. Source: National Catholic Reporter, Feb 14, 2003 http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/021403/021403d.htm A model for Catholic debate One of the truly remarkable consequences of the insistent march toward war by the Bush administration is the equally insistent resistance to the use of preemptive force being voiced in a variety of quarters, but in a particularly strong way in religious circles. Source: National Catholic Reporter, Feb 14, 2003 http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/021403/021403o.htm Christians push for peace At a time when Christians are involved in urgent debates over justice and war, we speak with two of the Christian Churches' foremost proponents of peace.Dr Claudio Maria Betti is Director of Special Operations for the world famous Sant'Egidio community, a community of lay Catholics based in the ancient suburb of Trastevere in Rome, who are involved in work with the poor, ecumenism, and peace initiatives all over the world, including a role in negotiating a peace settlement in the civil war in Mozambique. Dr Betti is in our Melbourne studio. The Reverend Ross Jones is the American-born Dean of St George's College in Jerusalem, the Anglican college where Edward Said once went to school. Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Feb 12, 2003 http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/relrpt/stories/s782483.htm Carroll doubts Just War as Pope sends envoy to Iraq Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference President Archbishop Francis Carroll told a high-profile ABC Radio forum that he's not convinced there is Just Cause for war with Iraq. Source; Australian Catholic Telecommunications, Jan 10, 2003 http://www.cathnews.com/news/302/49.php Papal Envoy Begins Peace Trip to Baghdad Pope John Paul II's special envoy to Iraq set off from Rome on Monday, saying the pontiff had decided to explore "the last limits of hope." Source: AP, Jan 10, 2003 http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-vatican-iraq0210feb10,0,2519329.story?coll=sns%2Dap%2Dnationworld%2Dheadlines Iraq's Aziz to pray for peace Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz is set to pray for peace at the tomb of Saint Francis in the central Italian city of Assis. Source; CNN, Jan 10, 2003 http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/02/10/italy.iraq/index.html NZ church leaders say no to Iraq war New Zealand's Christian church leaders today called on the Government to exert maximum diplomatic pressure on the United States, United Nations and Iraq to avoid war. Source; Stuff, Jan 9, 2003 http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2251656a11,00.html Visiting Iraqi sister expresses her people's worries over war AUCKLAND - "Very worried and very afraid" are words used often by a visiting Iraqi religious sister talking about a possible war in her country. Source: NZ Catholic, Jan 9, 2003 http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/story2.html Indonesian Bishops Call National Day of Prayer for Iraq In the letter, the Indonesian bishops' conference stated that war not only cannot be considered a solution, but "aggravates suffering and perpetuates hatred," and contradicts "our belief on the sacredness of human life that God bestows upon us," as the text reads. Source: Zenit, Jan 9, 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=31189 Caritas Prepares to Deploy Humanitarian Aid to Iraq Caritas International, the Catholic Church-run worldwide assistance network, is preparing to address the consequences of a possible military attack on Iraq. "We are preparing to be massacred," the Caritas-Iraq office said. Source: Zenit, Jan 9, 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=31181 Iraq war would be disaster for children A new war in Iraq would be catastrophic to the 13 million children in Iraq, says an international study team funded in part by Church organizations including the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. Source: Western Catholic Reporter, Feb. http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2003/0210/children021003.shtml Mbeki in forefront as South Africa pushes for peace Political organisations, civil society, labour and church leaders across the country have pledged to intensify a campaign for peace as an invasion of Iraq edges closer.Religious organisations involved include the SA Catholic Bishops Conference, the SA Council of Churches, the Methodist Church of SA and the Muslim Judicial Council. Source: The Star, Feb. 7, 2003 http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=6&art_id=vn20030207061031139C545712&set_id=1 War? A tough call "I do not support any war. It is obvious that engaging in any war is a travesty and subhuman. War is a silly exercise that will cost us," said the Rev. Georg Retzlaff, rector at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Orangeburg, SC Source: Times and Democrat, Feb 7, 2003 http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2003/02/07/features/features1.txt Pope's answer to Rumsfeld pulls no punches in opposing war A senior Vatican official says that Catholic "just war" doctrine is undergoing an evolution similar to that on capital punishment, from grudging acceptance to a quasi-abolitionist stance. In both cases, he said, modern society has the means to resolve problems without the use of lethal force. Source: National Catholic Reporter, Feb 7, 2003 http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/021403/021403e.htm Cardinal predicts Novak's effort to sell Vatican on Iraq war will fail A top Vatican official has predicted that Michael Novak, an American Catholic intellectual asked by the U.S. government to try to persuade Rome of the morality of a possible "preventive war" in Iraq, will fail. Source: National Catholic Reporter, Feb 7, 2003 http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/020703/020703f.htm Vatican continues to oppose war The Vatican's official newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, walked up to the brink on Feb. 1 of calling American policy in Iraq stupid. Sourcee: National Catholic Reporter, Feb 7, 2003 http://www.nationalcatholicreporter.org/word/word0207.htm Swiss Bishops Alarmed at Lack of Ethical Debate on Iraq War The presidency of the Swiss Episcopal Conference warns that the debate on the ethics of an attack on Iraq has disappeared from the media. "For several days now, in all the media, there is no longer a question about the advisability of a war against Iraq, but of the date of the start of hostilities," a statement from the conference says today. "Worse yet: some are already speaking about the postwar." Source: Zenit, Jan 5, 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=30999 Anti-war Christians gather in Berlin Christian leaders from across Europe and the United States are meeting in Berlin to express their opposition to military action in Iraq. Source; BBC, Feb. 5, 2003 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2728793.stm Affirmation of Faith for Peace We Muslims, Taoists, Buddhists, Catholics and Protestants want to underline that we make this affirmation of faith for peace based, not on any political stance toward any particular country, but rather on the values of our faith traditions which compel us to speak out for peace and the preservation of life. In war, the civilian population suffers disproportionately. We fear that tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians will perish in any conflict. We, therefore, cannot support war in Iraq, for we believe that there are alternative ways to resolve the current crisis in a peaceful manner. Source: Religious Group for Human Rights, Feb. 5, 2003 http://www.it4hr.net/~rghr/mainfile.php/0505/463/ Archbishop of Sydney: Not yet enough evidence for just war To my mind, it is morally justifiable for the Australian navy to enforce the embargo on Iraq and for Australian troops to pressure the Iraq dictator to comply with the UN peace conditions he accepted in 1991. These are honourable activities. But the public evidence is as yet insufficient to justify going to war, especially without the backing of the UN Security Council. Source: The Australrian, Feb.4, 2003 http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,5930651%5E7583,00.html Melbourne Commission urges churches to back UN on Iraq The Melbourne Archdiocesan Commission for Justice Development and Peace (CCJDP) issued a statement on Friday condemning the proposed US attack on Iraq as "morally unjustified". Source: Catholic Commission for Justice, Development and Pace, Melbourne, Feb. 1, 2003 http://www.cathnews.com/news/301/3ccjdp.html Vatican considers peace mission to Baghdad During a January 30 public appearance, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran (pictured), the Vatican's chief foreign-policy official, confirmed that the Holy See is thinking of "a concrete gesture" to further the cause of peace. Source: Australian Catholic Telecommunications, Jan 31, 2003 http://www.cathnews.com/news/301/161.php Caritas hopes for peace - while preparing for the unthinkable Caritas Europa joins the appeal of Caritas Internationalis and calls for a peaceful outcome of the Iraqi crisis. Caritas appeals to world leaders and decision makers to take all possible steps to actively promote a political solution and reaffirms its support for all persons and groups who are engaged in the building of peace, and in the promoting of justice and reconciliation. Source: Independent Catholic News, Jan. 31, 2003 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/cartas.html Phillipines: Cardinal Sin says no to war "The threat of war is lurking at our doorsteps. The crisis in the Middle East, Iraq in particular, has affected us, especially the millions of overseas Filipino workers who are there right now. In the face of this situation, we echo the Holy Father's appeal: 'No to war!'' said Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila in his Pastoral Statement issued yesterday. Source: Independent Catholic News, Jan. 31, 2003 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/filipin.html As Vatican calls for peace, diplomat plans defense of 'preventive war' A full court Vatican press against war in Iraq continued in late January, with a Jan. 16-18 interreligious conference on "Spiritual Resources for Peace," plus strong statements from Vatican media outlets suggesting the Bush administration's interest in Iraq is at least in part oil, and criticizing its "propagandistic attitude." Source; National Catholic Reporter, Jan. 31, 2003 http://natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/013103/013103j.htm Peace movement leaders encouraged by preemptive protest As the U.S. military mobilizes for war, the peace movement is engaged in a preemptive strike of its own. The goal: Stop the bombs before they drop. Source: National Catholic Reporter, Jan 31, 2003 http://natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/013103/013103h.htm Still two sides to every story It should be noted for the record that our protest demonstration and march were supported by a wide cross-section of the Barbadian community, including leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, leaders of our local Islamic community, Rastafarian elders, senior academics, business leaders, and at least one former senior diplomat. Source: Barbados Advocate, Jan 30, 2003 http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/IndexNewLettersleft.cfm?Type=LE Protesters sound off about war threat "A lot of innocent Americans, innocent Iraqis, will be hurt in a war," said Phyllis Jepson, a member of PaxChristiUSA, a Catholic peace movement. "I don't think anyone can comprehend the ramifications of that." Source: Palm Beach Post, Jan 30, 2003 http://www.gopbi.com/partners/pbpost/epaper/editions/thursday/local_news_e383ca8c36e0b09010d1.html Female Leaders Urge Peace on Iraq Hundreds of female religious leaders from various faiths urged President Bush on Wednesday to use diplomacy rather than force in dealing with Iraq. The women, representing groups of Buddhists, Jews, Muslims and Christians, have formed a coalition to press for a negotiated settlement. Source: AP, Jan. 29, 2003 http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20030129_1752.html Pope prays to avoid Mideast war Vatican City, Jan 29 - Pope John Paul II on Tuesday invited members of Christian churches gathered at the Vatican to pray that a war in the Middle East can be avoided. Source: Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Jan 29, 2003 http://www.iribnews.com/Full_en.asp?news_id=172058&n=22 Asia Urges More Time for Iraq Inspections In the Philippines, a mostly Roman Catholic country but with a large Muslim minority, politicians and church leaders have aired opposition to a strike against Iraq. Source: Cybercast News Service, Jan 30, 2003 http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=\ForeignBureaus\archive\200301\FOR20030128g.html Peace vigil causes stir Protest: Weekly rally sponsored by the United University Church wants students with antiwar position to join in Source: Daily Trojan, Jan. 30, 2003 http://www.dailytrojan.com/article.do?issue=/V148/N11&id=01-peace.11c.html Religious Leaders Share Concerns About War While the United States government is poised on the brink of war against the Iraq nation, a group of Tri-state religious leaders -- a rabbi, a priest and a representative of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati -- came together for a roundtable discussion in one of 9News studios to share their unique perspectives and concerns related to possible warfare. Source: WCPO, Jan 28, 2003 http://www.wcpo.com/news/2003/local/01/28/roundtable.html St. Mary of Woods members sign, asking for peace Chicago-area Roman Catholics are paying attention to the opposition, voiced by church leaders, to a unilateral United States military invasion of Iraq. At St. Mary of the Woods Church, which serves Chicago's Edgebrook area and parts of Niles and Lincolnwood, nearly 1,000 parishioners have signed a "peace pledge" since late December. Source: Edison-Norwood Times Review, Jan. 30, 2003 http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/ed/01-30-03-19160.html Pakistani Christians demonstrate against possible U.S.-Iraq war LAHORE, Pakistan (CNS) -- Pakistani Christians organized demonstrations to protest a possible U.S. war against Iraq. Organizers said they staged the events to assure Muslims that Christians have nothing to do with U.S. plans to attack Iraq. Source: Catholic News Service, Jan 29, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20030129.htm#head14 Italian bishop says preventive war against Iraq is unjustified ROME (CNS) -- A preventive war against Iraq would not be just, even if the United Nations approves military intervention, a leading Italian bishop said. Bishop Giuseppe Betori, secretary of the Italian bishops' conference, made the remarks to reporters Jan. 28 during a meeting of the bishops' permanent council in Rome. Source; Catholic News Service, Jan 29, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20030129.htm#head12 Australian Churches unite against war on Iraq FR BRUCE DUNCAN CSsR is astonished that Australia has effectively committed troops to any military course of action the US may decide to take in Iraq. Surce; Catholic Leader, Jan 29, 2003 http://www.catholicleader.com.au/index.php?pgnum=2.5 War Protest AUSTRALIA'S Catholic bishops, the nation's leaders of religious institutes and the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC) have all condemned the deployment of Australian troops to the Middle East. ACSJC chairman Bishop William Morris of Toowoomba said: 'The decision to join the US military build-up in the Persian Gulf seems to contradict strong community sentiment and runs the risk of undermining United Nations processes which provide the best means of resolving tensions in the Middle East without recourse to war. Source: Catholic Leader, Jan. 29, 2003 http://www.catholicleader.com.au/index.php?pgnum=1#news2 Cardinal Egan says inspectors must determine if Iraq war is justified VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York said U.N. weapons inspectors must determine that Iraq poses "a clear and present danger" before military action can be justified against the country. Source: Catholic News Service, Jan. 29, 2003 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/20030129.htm Pax Christi USA Statement on Weapons Inspections in Iraq Pax Christi USA welcomes the reports of U.N. weapons inspectors Dr. Hans Blix and Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, delivered to the United Nations Security Council on January 27, 2003. Their testimony that Iraq is cooperating with the United Nations Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors gives us hope that Iraq's disarmament under U.N. resolutions may soon be verified and the deadly regime of economic sanctions can soon be removed from the backs of the Iraqi people Source: Pax Christi USA, Jan 28, 2003 http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_events_more.asp?id=406 U.K. aid agencies say war could spell disaster for Iraqui people Members of the British Overseas Aid Group (Oxfam, CAFOD, Christian Aid, ActionAid and Save the Children) say any major military action is likely to lead to a humanitarian crisis and increase civilian suffering in addition to fuelling regional instability. Source: Independent Catholic News, Jan. 29, 2003 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/aidwar.html Australian Catholic justice council questions Iraq 'pre-deployment' Bishop William Morris, Chairman of the ACSJC said the decision to join the US military buildup in the Gulf "seems to contradict strong community sentiment" and "runs the risk of undermining United Nations processes which provide the best means of resolving tensions in the Middle East without recourse to war". Source: Australian Catholic Telecommunications, Jan. 27, 2003 http://www.cathnews.com/news/301/28acsjc.html Standing on the street corner I like to demonstrate for things I care about, like the possibility of peace with Iraq. Demonstrations are occasions for both body and spirit to witness to the justice of a cause. Source: National Catholic Reporter, Jan. 24, 2003 http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/012403/012403c.htm Vaile hears plea for peace A DEPUTATION of church and community representatives spent an hour discussing issues relating to UN weapons inspections in Iraq and the prospect of Australia's participation in an Iraqi conflict with Member for Lyne Mark Vaile. Source: Manning River Times, Jan. 24, 2003 http://taree.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&category=general%20news&story_id=205066&y=2003&m=1 As War Looms, Pope Reminds Media of Duty to Peace With the threat of military action looming in the Gulf, Pope John Paul called Friday for journalists to join the frontlines of a peace effort and avoid becoming "agents of propaganda and disinformation." Source: Reuters, Jan. 24, 2003 http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=2105705 Vatican criticism of war plans chills relations with U.S. John Paul II repeatedly pleaded for peace over the Christmas holidays, joining his voice to his senior aides who for months have been expressing increasingly strident opposition to a U.S.-led military attack on Iraq. Though the pope only once mentioned Iraq by name, he used the platform offered by the holiday events to deliver a pointed antiwar message. Source: National Catholic Reporter, Jan. 24, 2003 http://natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/012403/012403g.htm Anti-war protests take place in more than 20 centres Canadians took part in the international day of protest against the prospect of war against Iraq by holding peace rallies, marches and interfaith services in more than 20 cities and towns from coast to coast Jan. 18. Source: Western Catholic Reporter, Jan, 22, 2003 http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2003/0127/protest012703.shtml   Local crowd opposes Iraq war Despite snowy weather, a crowd of about 2,500 people marched down Whyte Avenue Jan. 19 to protest the prospect of a war with Iraq. Source; Western Catholic Reporter, Jan, 22, 2003 http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2003/0127/peace012703.shtml Canadian Bishops' Statement on Iraq Crisis War Will Not Deliver Lasting Disarmament Source: Zenit, Jan 23, 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=30409 20,000 Expected at Scottish Peace Rally Organisers of the 15 February anti-war demonstration in Glasgow have had to change the venue from George Square to Glasgow Green as the numbers expected to attend are too large. Source: Independent Catholic News, Jan. 24, 2003 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/glsdem.html Worldwide protests against looming war Catholic peace protesters were among hundreds of thousands who gathered in cities across the world last weekend as American and British military units and ships massed in the Gulf in readiness for a possible invasion of Iraq. Source: The Tablet, Jan. 25, 2003 http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/citw.cgi? German Bishops Oppose Attack on Iraq Preventive Measure Would Be an Aggression, They Say. Source: Zenit, Jan. 22. 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=30320 Irish Bishop Willie Walsh endorses Shannon airport peace protests After nearly 2,000 people staged a peaceful protest at Shannon airport at the weekend, over its use a stopover for military planes, Rt Rev William Walsh, Bishop of Killaloe, issued the following statement today: Source: Independent Catholic News, Jan 22, 2003 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/shannon.html Pakistan's Christian Leaders Say No to Pre-emptive War on Iraq "As the calamity of war in Iraq looms on the horizon, we recognize that this conflict will have far-reaching and disastrous consequences for all our region," reads a joint pastoral letter, issued Jan. 16. Source: Zenit, January 21, 2003 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=30268 Melbourne Commission calls Iraq war 'morally questionable' Deployment of Australian troops to Iraq for a possible war was morally questionable, Melbourne's Archdiocesan Commission for Justice, Development and Peace has said. Source: Australian Catholic Telecommunications, Jan 23, 2003 http://www.cathnews.com/news/301/129.php Ireland's Catholic leader opposes a war with Iraq The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland expressed concern on Monday over the possibility of a war with Iraq. Source: AP, Jan 20, 2003 http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030120/ap_wo_en_po/eu_gen_ireland_iraq_1 Just war Many Christian churches have opposed, or cautioned against, war with Iraq-in marked contrast to their initial support for the Vietnam War in the 1960s. The mainstream western churches, having subjected the claims of the Bush administration to careful scrutiny, remain unconvinced about the moral legitimacy of the war and have refrained from blessing any such endeavour. Source: Eureka Street., January 2003 http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/articles/0301duncan.hamilton.html New Development on Just-War Teaching? The new president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace has advanced the view that Church teaching on the justice of warfare are evolving-- much like the Church's stance on the death penalty. In an interview with the Roman news agency I Media, Archbishop Renato Martino said that war may be justifiable "under extreme circumstances." But he said that "modern society has enough means [of resolving conflicts] so that we need not have recourse to [war]." Source: Catholic World News, Jan 22, 2003< http://www.cwnews.com/news/printstory.cfm?userID=3077&RecNum=19768 Baghdad trip affirms resolve The citizens of Iraq have not recovered from the 1991 Gulf War and desperately want peace, says a Winnipegger who has just returned from a fact-finding mission to the country. Source: Winnipeg News, Jan. 20, 2003 http://www.canoe.ca/WinnipegNews/ws.ws-01-20-0006.html Alternatives to war Weekend anti-war rallies were largely a fitting tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on the eve of today's holiday honoring the slain civil-rights leader who embraced peaceful forms of protest. Source: USA Today, Jan. 20, 2003 http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=679&ncid=679&e=3&u=/usatoday/20030120/cm_usatoday/4792420 Possible Iraq War Draws Weekend Protests CBN.com ­ WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sitting on a frigid street in view of the White House and surrounded by chanting anti-war demonstrators, Sister Carole Bialock ate a cookie and smiled. Source: Christian Broadcasting Network, Jan. 20, 2003 http://www.cbn.com/CBNNews/Wire/030120d.asp God is not on your side, leaders tell US Vatican City - Leaders of world religions have appealed to believers to work to averting a conflict in Iraq as anti-war protests gather pace around the world. Source: Independent Online, Jan. 20, 2003 http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=3&art_id=vn20030120055111114C419058&set_id=1 Professor: War even more costly than estimated A war against Iraq would be more costly than what most economists suggest, a Colorado professor said during a peace conference at Guilford College. Source: AP, Jan 20, 2003 http://www.trib.com/AP/wire_detail.php?wire_num=65390 Iraq war called peril to Pakistan Christians Christians in Pakistan, second-class citizens long before 9/11, have suffered a series of massacres and will suffer more if the United States attacks Iraq, said the Rev. Maqsood Kamil, executive secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jan. 18, 2003 http://www.post-gazette.com/World/20030118pakistan3.asp War 'a defeat for humanity' Pope John Paul II has set out his strongest attack yet on the prospect of war. Delivering his annual address to the Vatican diplomatic corps, he lamented "the threat of a war which could strike the people of Iraq, the land of the Prophets, a people already sorely tried by more than 12 years of embargo". Source: The Tablet, Jan. 18, 2003 http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/citw.cgi? It's too soon for war Church of England bishops stepped up their opposition to war on Iraq this week. In the United States the Catholic ethical and political theorist George Weigel has accused them and American bishops of failing to update the just war principles. The Anglican Bishop of Oxford takes issue. Source: The Tablet, Jan. 18, 2003 http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/archive_db.cgi?tablet-00701 Morality of War with Iraq BOB ABERNETHY, anchor: Today, a special report on the moral arguments, for and against. I spoke with William Galston of the University of Maryland, where he is a professor at the School of Public Affairs and Director of the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy. Also with George Weigel, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington. Source: Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, Jan. 10, 2003 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week619/perspectives.html Examining the Ethics of War As a possible attack on Iraq looms, there are few hawks among professional Christian ethicists. That much emerged from a lively exchange among 400 U.S. and Canadian university and seminary professors at the annual meeting of the Society of Christian Ethics in Pittsburgh on January 10. Source: Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, Jan. 10, 2003 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week619/exclusive.html Australian Bishops back Pope's 'no to war' campaign Australian Catholic bishops have spoken out in support of a call by Pope John Paul II last week for world leaders to say 'No to War'. Source: The Catholic Leader, 1/19/03 http://www.catholicleader.com.au/prinfriendly.php?num=1183 Case for war yet to be made warn Anglican Bishops "We believe that the Government's stated policy of disarming Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction is best pursued by facilitating and strengthening the work of UN weapons inspectors. It is crucial that this process be allowed to run its course. To launch military action while there remains the potential to secure a peaceful resolution would be ill-judged and premature. Source: Independent Catholic News, 1/16/03 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/ldsbis.html Baghdad Catholic University rector comments on weapons inspectors The rector of Baghdad's Catholic University has called upon international leaders to respect the conclusions reached by UN weapons inspectors in Iraq. Source: Australian Catholic Telecommunications, 1/16/03 http://www.cathnews.com/news/301/82.php Holy See Believes War in Iraq Is Still Avoidable Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Vatican secretary for relations with states, says he thinks the United States can still change its position on a possible attack against Iraq. Source: Zenit, 1/15/03 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=30003 Catholic Bishops join anti-war protest The Catholic Bishop's conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei (CBC) today joined a rising number of protest voices around the world by speaking out against the possible military action on Iraq. Source: Malaysia Kini, 1/16/03 http://202.157.182.164/news/200301160018911.php Wide mix of faith leaders takes center stage in anti-war rally Theologically diverse, the group stretches beyond Buddhists and Quakers to include Roman Catholic parishes and religious orders, Scientologists, Muslims and broad-based coalitions such as Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. Source: The Oregonian, 1/15/03 http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/xml/story.ssf/html_standard.xsl?/base/news/1042635434125500.xml Why I Went to Baghdad The General Secretary of the National Council of Churches explains why war with Iraq is "immoral and illegal." Source: Beliefnet, 1/6/03 http://www.beliefnet.com/frameset.asp?pageLoc=/story/119/story_11954_1.html&boardID=50214 War with Iraq could unleash the forces of evil Military chaplain and deacon GARY STONE warns that Australia is being led into a war against Iraq which is morally and ethically unjustifiable http://www.catholicleader.com.au/index.php?pgnum=2.5 Pope: War in Iraq Should Be Last Resort VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope John Paul II issued his strongest criticism yet of a possible war with Iraq, saying Monday that military force can only be used as ``the very last option'' -- and then only under certain conditions. Source: AP, 1/13/03 http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Vatican-Iraq.html Peace message from Baghdad The following was read aloud by the Iraq Peace Journey at a prayer service at St. Joseph's Chaldean Church Dec. 18 in Baghdad. The service was planned by members of the Iraqi Christian community in Baghdad, including three bishops. Source: National Catholic Reporter, 1/10/03 http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/011003/011003p.htm In Iraq to witness against war Since Dec. 8, I have been traveling in Iraq with a delegation of Catholic clergy, sisters and laypeople. We came in the season of Advent, when Christians of all denominations prepare for the coming of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We are in Iraq to give witness to our conviction and the conviction of millions of religious people of all faiths around the world that war against Iraq would constitute a moral, social and political disaster. Source: National Catholic Reporter, 1/10/03 http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/011003/011003o.htm Christian peace campaigner stages 'war tax' boycott A peace campaigner who refused to pay his taxes unless he was assured that the money was not used to fund a war in Iraq, was ordered to settle his bill by magistrates yesterday. Roy Prockter, a Quaker from Thorpe-le-Soken, near Clacton, told Colchester magistrates: "My conscience directs me not to pay." http://www.indcatholicnews.com/wartx.html Religious groups try to defuse war threat Some Cleveland religious groups, including the social action arm of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, and a retired Case Western Reserve University professor, are lifting their voices in a national advertising campaign opposing war on Iraq. Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer, 01/08/03 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/104202231170610.xml Grassroots UK Catholics pray for peace in Iraq and Middle East In the run-up to Peace Sunday on 19 January, there has already been such a demand for the 'Prayer for Peace in Iraq and the Middle East' prepared by the National Justice and Peace Network, Pax Christi and CAFOD, that several reprints have been made, and a total of 170,000 cards have been produced. Source: Independent Catholic News, 1/6/03 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/grascath.html More pressure from religious leaders against war Associated Press is reporting a significant statement from Archbishop Renato Martino in Rome's La RepublicaNewspaper on Saturday which provides an insight into the thinking of the Pope. The Archbishop is quoted as saying the Pope is "deeply worried" and he "lives the drama of the moment, he feels involved personally". Source: Australian Catholic Telecommunications, 1/6/03 http://www.cathnews.com/news/301/17.php As U.S. counts down to war, Vatican turns up volume on cautions As the United States counted down to a possible attack on Iraq this winter, Pope John Paul II and his top aides turned up the volume on a litany of cautions and caveats. Source: Catholic News Service, 1/3/03 http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/20030103.htm The hawkish doctrine of Mr Bush At the start of the New Year, a war led by the United States against Iraq looks probable. A specialist in the Just War principles tests the legitimacy of the projected action ­ with a negative result. Source: The Tablet, 1/4/03 http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/archive_db.cgi?tablet-00697 Nun says her illegal Iraqi visit worth the risk Louisville native and Maryknoll nun Lil Mattingly readily acknowledges that she broke U.S. law when she visited Iraq last month as part of an American religious delegation. Source: Louisville Courier-Journal, 1/02/03 http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2003/01/02/ke010203s341764.htm Not a Just or Moral War The churches' pre-emptive reponse to Bush's Iraq plans. Source: Sojourners, Jan-Feb, 2003 http://www.sojo.net/magazine/index.cfm/action/contents/issue/soj0301.html Pope Speaks Against War During Address VATICAN CITY (AP) -- War must and can be avoided even in a world made fearful by terrorism, Pope John Paul II insisted in a Christmas message that stepped up the Vatican's campaign against a war in Iraq. Source: AP, 1/1/02 http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Vatican-Pope-Christmas.html Catholic peace activists organize anti-war demonstrations Calling on the U.S. Catholic community and all Americans to oppose war against Iraq, 15 anti-war participants gathered outside a North Naples church Saturday to pray and condemn all military action against the Middle Eastern nation. Source: Naples Daily News, 12/29/02 http://www.naplesnews.com/02/12/naples/d870761a.htm Church leaders around the world use Christmas to urge caution on war Many media reports around the world in the last 24 hours are showing that the Church leaders of the world in their Christmas messages have been urging caution about using war against Iraq as a way to solve the terrorism threat. Source: Australian Catholic Telecommunications, 12/27/02 http://www.cathnews.com/news/212/140.php Bishops defy Blair with tough anti-war message Leading bishops are to preach this Christmas against a war with Iraq in messages that openly defy Tony Blair and his government. Source: The Independent, 12/22/02 http://www.independent.co.uk/story.jsp?story=363619 "The response to terrorism and violence is never more violence" ... Archbishop Martino Disarmament is necessary to eradicate world hunger and to create conditions for peace, says the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Archbishop Renato Martino, who until recently was the Vatican's permanent observer to the United Nations. Source: Zenit., 12/17/02 http://zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=29125 Peace movement speedily mobilizes The most surprising thing about the current peace movement is not that it has tapped a new generation of activists (it has), or that it is able to mobilize thousands on any given day to protest Bush administration policy (it can), or even that it gets a share of mainstream media exposure -- our 24/7 cable news culture guarantees that. It is the speed with which the movement has grown and the level of organization that exists within its managerial ranks. Source: National Catholic Reporter, 12/20/02 http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/122002/122002e.htm Iraq Peace Journey: U.S. religious leaders delegastion, Dec. 6-21 Daily reports. Source: Pax Chrsti USA, 12/18/02 http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_events_more.asp?id=316 Marchers sign anti-war pledges Hundreds of demonstrators protesting the threat of a war in Iraq on Sunday dropped signed pledges of resistance into collection plates at St. James Episcopal Cathedral, Chicago. Source: Chicago Tribune, 12/16/02 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-0212160129dec16,1,504608.story Wars and rumors of wars Australian Passionaist Kevin Dance shares his impressions of life in the United States where he is a witness to the rising up of voices and prayers opposed to a war all too many call ' inevitable'. Source: the Australian Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes http://www.aclri.catholic.org.au/publications/02_summer/08.html Resisting war: Catholics need apply War in the Middle East is not an option http://www.catholicnewtimes.org/ Catholics around country pray for peace, rally against war ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) -- Close to 900 people joined Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul-Minneapolis Nov. 24 to pray that the United States will not invade Iraq and bring about the deaths of countless civilians there. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/20021127.htm Avoid war, Chicago religious leaders tell Bush Chicago's top Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious leaders, who once doubted they could ever reach consensus on military action in Iraq, have drafted a rare joint letter to President Bush urging him to avoid war. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-0211300119nov30.story Build peace, avoid war - Australian Catholic Bishops urge Gathered for our Plenary Meeting, we, the Australian Catholic Bishops urge calm within the Australian community in responding to terrorism and stress the need for all to pray and work for peace at a time of great tension in the world. http://www.catholic.org.au/statements/ju_peace.htm Catholics should be more conscientious about objecting to war Our church challenges us to think twice before marching to the drums of war, argues Fr. Michael Baxter http://www.uscatholic.org/2002/12/sb0212.htm U.K. bishops speaks out against war on Iraq The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales issued the following statement, following their meeting in Leeds earlier this week about Military Action against Iraq, http://www.indcatholicnews.com/bishspkir.html U.S. Catholic bishops oppose war with Iraq The nation's Roman Catholic bishops yesterday said they did not believe war with Iraq was morally justified at this time and called on President Bush to "step back from the brink of war." http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/nation/4513506.htm On the brink of war: Caritas repor on Iraq From 21 through 26 October a delegation of Caritas Internationalis visited la Confrérie de la Charité/Caritas Iraq on a "Mission of solidarity with the people of Iraq". The women, men and children of Iraq, still scarred by the effects of two major wars and profoundly weakened by twelve years of economic sanctions, are now likely to face a new catastrophe. At risk are thousands of innocent Iraqis who will lose their lives if there is a war. http://www.indcatholicnews.com/onthbrink.html Preemption, aggression and Catholic teaching The moral justification for military action against Iraq requires the reconciliation of a 21st-century military doctrine -- "preemption" or "anticipatory action" -- with teachings first developed by a fourth-century African bishop. http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/102502/102502a.htm Archbishop warns war on Iraq could trigger nuclear attack The future Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams warned yesterday that an attack on Iraq could bring chaos to the Middle East, and trigger nuclear retaliation by Israel - killing many hundreds of thousands. http://www.indcatholicnews.com/rowarwar.html Influential Catholic journal says US strike on Iraq could be justified The authoritative Jesuit magazine Civilta Cattolica has argued that an American military strike on Iraq would be legitimate if there is an imminent danger of aggression by Iraqi regime. But the Italian journal says that a purely "preventive" military strike cannot be justified. http://www.cathnews.com/news/211/7.php On Iraq, the churches must speak out One after the other, Australia's major churches - Uniting, Roman Catholic and Anglican - have spoken out against the proposed war against Iraq in recent weeks. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/10/30/1035683473405.html Iraq war 'unjustifiable', says Bush's church head President George Bush's own Methodist church has launched a scathing attack on his preparations for war against Iraq, saying they are 'without any justification according to the teachings of Christ'. Jim Winkler, head of social policy for United Methodists, added that all attempts at a 'dialogue' between the President and his own church over the war had fallen on deaf ears at the White House. http://www.observer.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12239,815693,00.html French bishops say US action against Iraq appears unjustified The French bishops' conference said potential US military action against Iraq does not seem morally justified and may strengthen a feeling that America applies a double standard in enforcing UN resolutions in the region. http://www.cathnews.com/news/210/93.php Two N.Y. bishops urge caution on Iraq - Clergy warns of ramifications, urges the flocks to express views The Episcopal and Roman Catholic bishops of Rochester expressed concerns Tuesday over a possible American attack on Iraq. Meeting together, they said military action would have dire consequences for the Iraqi people and for U.S. standing among other nations. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/1016story4_news.shtml 100 ethicists oppose attack on Iraq The war drums may be beating loudly in Washington, but in the halls of academia, calls for peace and restraint are being echoed. In the Sept. 23 edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education, 100 Christian ethicists issued a statement saying a U.S. preemptive attack on Iraq would not be morally justifiable. http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/101102/101102f.htm Disarm Iraq Without War - A Statement from Religious Leaders in the United States and United Kingdom After Congress passed the resolution giving President Bush the power to attack Iraq, church leaders issued a statement urging him to pull back from the bring of war. You can sign your name and send it to the Bush, Blair and Annan. http://www.sojo.net/action/ Religious leaders lobby Congress on Iraq war Religious leaders began another phase of an anti-war lobbying effort on Capitol Hill Wednesday, urging Congress to explore peaceful alternatives in its dealings with Iraq. http://www.salon.com/news/wire/2002/10/09/lobby/index.html War on Iraq must have UN support, say U.K. bishops WAR against Iraq without further backing from the United Nations is unacceptable, bishops of the Church of England said yesterday. In an unprecedented document, they said that a "preventive" war - action to stop President Saddam Hussein using weapons of mass destruction - would cause immense and widespread suffering. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-442073,00.html European bishops council calls war with Iraq 'terrible prospect' A council of European bishops has warned against the "terrible prospect" of armed conflict with Iraq. In an Oct. 6 statement, members of the Swiss-based Council of Catholic Episcopates of Europe urged politicians to remember "evil cannot be defeated by another evil." http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20021008.htm#head9 Philippines Bishops urge lifting of Iraq embargo The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called for the lifting of the UN embargo on Iraq and has urged the United States to refrain from attacking the country without a mandate from the United Nations. http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=65140 Vatican reasserts opposition to war in Iraq The Vatican renewed its opposition to war in Iraq on Wednesday, saying military action would only make matters worse and that a pre-emptive strike raised serious ethical and legal problems. http://www.cathnews.com/news/210/27.php The Use of Force Against Iraq The Social Devleopment and World Peace dept. of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is urging Catholics to call the President and Members of Congress. http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/alert.htm Weston Jesuit School of Theology Statement on War in Iraq We at Weston Jesuit School of Theology join our voices with those of people around the world in urging the government of the United States not to attack Iraq. As Christians, we share a strong moral presumption against war. http://www.coc.org/resources/articles/display.html?ID=286 Vatican UN observer wants Iraq military action considered Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, permanent observer of the Vatican at the United Nations in Geneva, has said that options for a US-led attack on Iraq should be considered. http://www.cathnews.com/news/209/index.php Melbourne Justice Commission urges boycott of 'blood tax' The Justice, Development and Peace Commission of the Melbourne Archdiocese is calling on Australians "troubled" by the war on Iraq to boycott the payment of any war levy. http://www.cathnews.com/news/210/11.php U.K. Bishop in warning on brinkmanship strategy The Bishop of Brentwood has warned of the dangers of the brinkmanship being practised by Britain and America, which threatens to tip us into war with Iraq. http://www.totalcatholic.com/News.asp?Action=View&ID=2D6C3DD78307471084B10E991BD82EF9&GroupID=FB5C0F4DAE0C41EF9A7AD5C0B69108C8 Military archbishop says Bush must link Iraq to Sept. 11 events Before taking military action against Iraq, President Bush must "make the bridge" connecting Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, said the head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20021001.htm Cardinal McCarrick warns against war with Iraq Restating the position of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop of Washington urged lawmakers to avoid war with Iraq unless American life is in immediate danger. http://www.cathstan.org/news/current/3.shtml Canadian Christian Leaders Oppose War Against Iraq Bishop Jacques Berthelet, president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Canada, is among the signers of a letter sent to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, in which the Canadian Council of Churches calls for negotiation before undertaking a military campaign against Iraq. http://zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=25818 War Would Have "Unacceptable Human Costs," Say Italian Bishops In a published document, the bishops' Permanent Council states that this type of attack "would have unacceptable human costs and very grave destabilizing effects on the entire Middle East area and, probably, on all international relations." http://zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=25617 CAFOD: 'war would cause untold suffering to ordinary people of Iraq' The U.K.'s Catholic Agency For Overseas Development is calling on MPs to press for a peaceful solution to the crisis over Iraq. The agency believes that any military action, with or without Security Council approval, would cause untold suffering to the ordinary people of Iraq. http://www.indcatholicnews.com/cairaq.html National Catholic Reporter http://natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/092002/noiraqwar.htm U.S Bishops statement "This 'war on terrorism' should be fought with the support of the international community and primarily by non-military means, denying terrorists resources, recruits, and opportunities for their evil acts. As our nation seeks to defend our people and values, we should hold fast to our basic principles of justice, freedom, fairness, and openness in our treatment of all persons, especially vulnerable immigrants and refugees." http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2002/02-172.htm Methodists urge Tony Blair to work with UN over Iraq The President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Ian White, has urged Prime Minister Tony Blair to work with the UN to resolve the growing political crisis over Iraq. http://www.indcatholicnews.com/blairmeth.html The Ethics of War BBC website examines just war theory, religious views of war http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/ethics/war/warindex.shtml Vatican official says military action against Iraq needs OK from U.N. ROME (CNS) -- A top Vatican official said any military action against Iraq should be carried out only after approval by the United Nations, with careful consideration of potential effects on the civilian population. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/20020910.htm Australian bishops petition PM on Iraq Seven Catholic bishops have joined leaders of other Churches in urging the Federal Government to use its influence to turn the US away from any course of military action against Iraq. http://www.cathtelecom.com/news/209/60.php 'U.S. has double standards in dealing with Iraq': Iraqi Catholic leader Iraqi Catholic patriarch accuses the U.S. of using weapons of mass destruction against Iraqis during the Gulf War http://www.thehilltimes.ca/2002/september/2/rana2/ Can war with Iraq be justified? To address these and many questions involving a potential attack by the United States, The Catholic Telegraph contacted leaders throughout the Catholic Church to weigh in with their thoughts on the theory of a "just war," the specific situation of Iraq and Saddam Hussein, and the importance of framing one's outlook in Catholic social teaching. http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/tct/aug3002/083003war.html Cardinal Cormac speaks out against war on Iraq A war in Iraq would cause great destruction and suffering. It would also entail grave consequences for our own country and for the world. There is reason to be concerned that military intervention would set the Arab world against the West, and undermine efforts directed at peace between Israel and the Palestinian people. http://www.indcatholicnews.com/cardspkout.html Sant'Egidio gathers voices unheard in U.S. war debate The meeting, entitled "Religion and Cultures: Between Conflict and Dialogue," brought together 12 cardinals and 30 bishops and abbots, 18 representatives of Orthodoxy, 18 Protestants, 9 representatives of Judaism, 28 Muslims, 13 adherents of Asian religions (from India, Japan, Singapore and Sri Lanka), plus 57 representatives of international organizations and 19 diplomats http://www.nationalcatholicreporter.org/word/word0906.htm Would a war against Iraq be just? How do current political positions in support of fighting a war with Iraq stand up against Catholic just-war criteria? Bruce Duncan examines this question from an Australian perspective. http://www.catholicweekly.com.au/02/aug/25/15.html Churches issue call to stop the rush to war The British representatives on the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches delivered this statement August 30, 2002, to the governments of the USA and UK. http://www.indcatholicnews.com/churrush.html Women religious leaders oppose military intervention in Iraq The Leadership Conference of Women Religious passed a Resolution for Peace at their National Assembly in August. In a letter to president Bush, their leaders oppose military intervention in Iraq. http://www.lcwr.org/lcwr2/pressreleases/priraq082402.htm U.K. church leaders question war with Iraq - Pax Christi UK Since its public launch in mid-July, the Christian Declaration questioning the morality and legality of war against Iraq has gained widespread support. The initial signatories included Archbishop Rowan Williams, Anglican Bishops John Perry and Peter Price, Roman Catholic Bishops Malcolm McMahon, Thomas McMahon and Edwin Regan and academics and theologians from around the country. http://www.paxchristi.org.uk/press.HTML Australian Catholic bishops lobby for Iraq attack re-think Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President Archbishop Francis Carroll has joined with other Canberra church leader in an expression of 'grave concern' at the possibility of a US led attack on Iraq and Australia's involvement in such a conflict. He signed an open letter to the Prime Minister yesterday. The letter was also signed by leaders from the Anglican, Uniting, Presbyterian, Baptist, Assemblies of God, Lutheran and Quaker denominations. http://www.cathnews.com/news/208/808canb.html Pope calls for international presence in mideast Pope John Paul made an emotional appeal yesterday for peace in the Middle East, and gave his apparent support to an international peacekeeping forces in the region. Reuters http://www.cathnews.com/news/208/61.php CAFOD fears strike on Iraq CAFOD, the U.K. Catholic Aid Agency, says that any pre-emptive military strike against Iraq will create a humanitarian catastrophe, adding immeasurably to the sufferings of the Iraqi people. It will exacerbate the dangers of terrorism in the Middle East and undermine the authority of the United Nations. In a detailed report released today (August 12th) - Iraq, Sanctions and the War on Terrorism - which charts the history of sanctions and their impact on the Iraqi people in the context of events since September 11th, the agency also expresses concern at the lack of public debate around the issue in the United Kingdom, and calls for regional approach to the crisis and for a new relationship to be established between the international community and Iraq. http://www.cafod.org.uk/iraq/iraqstrikes20020812.shtml     Go to Prevent War on Iraq page