[Peace-discuss] English ArchBishops statement

[Dlind49 at aol.com]

Archbishops' Iraq war statement: Full text 
The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and Archbishop of Westminster 
Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor have, after a private meeting, issued the 
following statement about the Iraq crisis: 
War is always a deeply disturbing prospect; one that can never be 
contemplated without a sense of failure and regret that other means have not 
prevailed, and deep disquiet about all that may come in its train. 

We are very conscious of the huge burden of responsibility carried by those 
who must make the ultimate decision in these matters. 

They are daily in our thoughts and prayers, as are all those who would find 
themselves caught up directly or indirectly in a war. 


The moral alternative to military action cannot be inaction, passivity, 
appeasement or indifference 

The events of recent days show that doubts still persist about the moral 
legitimacy as well as the unpredictable humanitarian consequences of a war 
with Iraq. 

We recognise that the moral alternative to military action cannot be 
inaction, passivity, appeasement or indifference. 

It is vital therefore that all sides in this crisis engage through the United 
Nations fully and urgently in a process, including continued weapons 
inspections, that could and should render the trauma and tragedy of war 
unnecessary. 

We strongly urge the government of Iraq to demonstrate forthwith its 
unequivocal compliance with UN resolutions on weapons of mass destruction. 

The season of Lent is now approaching, a time when all Christian traditions 
encourage us to examine ourselves honestly, to acknowledge our shortcomings 
and to seek reconciliation with God. 

We must hope and pray that, with God's guidance, an outcome that brings peace 
with justice to Iraq and the Middle East may yet be found. 



Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk/2782509.stm

Published: 2003/02/20 04:41:37