wfn.org | ACNS3265 "Iraq debate raises serious issues," says Archbishop

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3265     |     IRELAND	|     20 JANUARY 2003

"Iraq debate raises serious issues," says Archbishop Eames

[The Church of Ireland] The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Robin Eames,
has expressed his concerns about the human cost of a possible conflict in
Iraq.

In a letter to the Times newspaper, Archbishop Eames said, "Current debate
on a possible conflict in Iraq raises serious issues for those who have
accepted the traditional definition of 'a just war'.

"No one can doubt that any modern conflict causes immense suffering to a
civilian population. Evidence abounds that it is impossible to guarantee all
avoidance of death and injury to what Scripture terms 'the poor' in any such
conflict.

"In the case of Iraq, no one can estimate with confidence the proportion of
such suffering to the innocent. Irrespective of individual views on the
rights and wrongs of any proposed military action, it can be argued that the
time is opportune to re-examine the traditional principles of the just war.

"Surely there is justification, in the light of experience and the probable
consequences of any forthcoming action, to accept an additional requirement
to take account of the humanitarian considerations which will inevitably
arise.

"Such an addition could embrace a willingness and definite intention on the
part of any nation to match military action with humanitarian relief. Only
then would the traditional principles stand current scrutiny - whether from
the Christian or other stand-point."

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