Statement from the Bishops of Lichfield, Shrewsbury, Stafford and Wolverhampton

Adelphoi,

This is what my bishop and his suffragans have released to the press.
Today I bury a Lt-Colonel with appropriate military honours.


For Immediate Release: 20th March 2003

Statement from the Bishops of Lichfield, Shrewsbury, Stafford and Wolverhampton

The Bishops of Lichfield, Shrewsbury, Stafford and Wolverhampton express their great concern about the conflict that has now begun over Iraq, and call all people of good will to pray for just, peaceful and rapid solution. We ask our parishes to open up their churches for special times of prayer, and to take initiatives of friendship and hospitality in their local communities.

We acknowledge the burden of decision-making that rests on our political leaders, and we pray for them.

We have questioned whether this military action is justified, and history alone will reveal the truth. Now that the conflict has started, we entrust the outcome to Almighty God, who is the final judge of all our motives and actions.

We pray that just war principles will be observed in the way in which the conflict is conducted, so that there will be a swift resolution with minimal casualties.

We pray for our armed forces at this difficult and dangerous time. We pray for their safety and safe return, and we will stand by them and their families in this period of great anxiety.

We pray for the people of Iraq, Muslims and Christians of all ethnic groups, and for the re-building of their shattered country.

We stand by the communities in our own country most closely affected by the conflict, including Iraqi refugees and all Muslims. We offer them the hand of friendship, and invite them to join with us in prayer and action for the re-building of trust and mutual respect.

We pray that the conflict will not further polarise attitudes across the world, and lead to further escalation of terrorism.

We pray that the wisdom of God will guide us to a just and peaceful solution, to the reconstruction of the damaged fabric of international co-operation, and to a comprehensive and even-handed resolution of the difficulties of the Middle East, especially relating to Israel and Palestine.

ENDS

The Rev'd Dr. Peter Toon