The war with Iraq

This is the text of a letter which Bishop Tom wrote to all incumbents when war was declared:

I am saddened that relations with Iraq have now deteriorated to such an extent that the Government considers it necessary to participate in the use of military force.

Over the course of the last twelve months the Church of England, concerned by developments in western government policy towards Iraq, has sought to raise those ethical and moral issues that needed to be addressed before any final decision was taken as to the use of military force, and I myself have been involved with several meetings with ministers. The decision has now been taken. The priority now must be for a speedy resolution of this crisis with as little destruction as is possible, and for setting in place those measures necessary to ensure the swift and effective return of Iraq and its long suffering people to a rightful place in the community of nations.

In our own diocese we must make every effort to strengthen community and faith relations at this difficult time, making contact, if at all possible, with local mosques and synagogues, keeping our churches open for prayer and being on hand to give pastoral care to the families of those caught up in the conflict.

Grace and peace

+ Thomas Southwark

 
More thoughts and prayers

As part of the London Church Leaders Group, as Chair of the Community and Public Affairs Unit, and of the Inter Faith Network, Bishop Tom has been and will be involved in other statements and letters.

These will be placed on the Diocesan Website as they become available. In addition there are prayers for use at this time on the Church of England website.

We trust that you will find this material useful as you and your congregations pray for peace in our world and for all those involved in the conflict.