CATHOLIC Church leaders have denounced Australia’s involvement in the war on Iraq while at the same time calling for prayers for people on both sides of the conflict.
After Prime Minister John Howard’s announcement on March 18 committing Australian troops to the war, and the first bombings on March 20, Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference president, Archbishop Francis Carroll of Canberra and Goulburn issued a statement urging renewed commitment to prayers for peace.
Archbishop Carroll said he regretted the Government’s decision, and said it would continue to be the subject of debate among people of good will.
On behalf of the Catholic Church in Australia, he assured the nation’s defence personnel in Iraq and their families of prayers and wholehearted support.
Australian Catholic Social Justice Council chairman, Bishop William Morris of Toowoomba said: ‘Around the world, religious leaders, and in particular Pope John Paul II, are saying a very definite ‘No’ to the legitimacy of this war.
Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome described the Government’s decision as ‘a blitz on our national integrity’.
Archbishop Adrian Doyle of Hobart questioned the moral legitimacy of the pre-emptive strike, and prayed for the defence personnel, political leaders ‘that cool heads and wisdom will prevail, and the people of Iraq ‘that they will know true justice and peace’.
Archbishop John Bathersby appealed to parishes in Brisbane archdiocese last weekend for special prayers for peace in Iraq.
He also asked for prayers for the safety and well-being of all people involved in the war in Iraq, especially for the Australian Defence Force personnel serving in the Gulf region.
