wfn.org | ACNS3374 Archbishop: pastoral letter to Anglican Primates

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

ACNS 3374     |     LAMBETH PALACE     |     24 MARCH 2003

Archbishop: pastoral letter to Anglican Primates

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has written to the most
senior Bishops and Archbishops of the worldwide Anglican Church to express
his concerns about the conflict in Iraq and his hope for a positive future
for the region.

In his letter to the Primates of the Anglican Church's 38 Provinces, Dr
Williams spoke of his concern for Christian communities of the Middle East,
and of his prayers for them and their neighbours of other faiths.
Acknowledging Iraq as the homeland of Abraham, Dr Williams also voiced hopes
for reconciliation and justice in the region.

Text of letter to Anglican Primates

We have entered on a time of acute suffering for some and of anxiety for all
peoples and nations round the world. As leaders of our Churches within the
Anglican Communion, we must pray that, whatever the many and varied
misgivings expressed, the military action now being undertaken may help to
bring about a more stable future for the whole region, with justice for all.

We shall be thinking especially of our fellow Christians throughout the
Middle East, and praying that they and their neighbours who belong to other
faiths will find the strength and vision to go on working for a shared
future of understanding and respect. Let us also hold in our prayers
Christians in others parts of the world, who may feel vulnerable and
uncertain at this time of tension.

Those in the front line of conflict and their families face particular
challenges; and in praying for them and those who seek to support, let us
also remember the many clergy from different countries who are charged with
pastoral responsibility for men and women on active service.

The prayers of the whole world will be focused in the days ahead on hopes
for an early end to armed conflict and a settlement that will honour the
freedom and dignity of the people of Iraq.

May God our redeemer bring good out of the passions and tragedies that have
scarred that country, the first homeland of Abraham our father in faith.
With Abraham, we look forward to 'the city with foundations, whose architect
and builder is God' Let us commit ourselves to working under God for the
signs of that city to become manifest among us in reconciliation and
justice.

With my love and prayers,

Rowan CANTUAR:

___________________________________________________________________

For details about the Enthronement of the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury,
the Most Revd Rowan D Williams, visit http://www.anglicancommunion.org/

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