wfn.org | Episcopal Presiding Bishop issues statement on Iraq

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

The Episcopal Church
http://www.dfms.org/contents.html
Daphne Mack <dmack@dfms.org>

98-228
December 18, 1998

Statement of The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop on Iraq

In these December days, as Christians await the coming of 
the Prince of Peace, Hanukkah has just begun, and the season of 
Ramadan is days away, it is a tragic irony that the relationship 
between the United States and Iraq has deteriorated into military 
conflict once again in that part of the world called holy by 
Christians, Jews and Muslims.
The Iraqi government's refusal to cooperate with United 
Nations arms inspectors, and the U.S. decision to bomb Iraq, 
reminds us how far we are from a season of reconciliation and 
peace.  Even so, I remain convinced that the shared visions of 
peace which our three traditions embrace show us the way to 
resolve international disputes.
I invite all persons of good will to join me in prayer for 
the men and women of our armed forces who are now engaged in this 
military conflict, and for the Iraqi people who have suffered so 
much through this conflict. 
For the long view, I would call on our government and the 
United Nations to reassess current policies with Iraq and to see 
what alternatives might better serve the cause of peace and end 
this long nightmare for millions of innocent Iraqis.  The deaths 
of over half a million children from the effects of sanctions 
demonstrate a failure of moral leadership both in Iraq and by the 
international community.  I will ask the Executive Council of the 
Episcopal Church to review the long, sad saga of war and sanctions 
and to assist the church in framing a more compassionate and just 
response.
As Jesus blessed the peacemakers, may we strive to be worthy 
of that blessing as peacemakers for these times.

 
The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church