US Bishops Issue Statement on Iraq War

"Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called Children of God" (Matthew 5:9)

On November 13, 2006, the bishops of the United States issued a statement that calls for serious and civil dialogue on a morally responsible transition in Iraq. The central message of the statement is that the search for genuine justice and peace in Iraq requires moral urgency, substantive dialogue and new directions.

The statement outlines benchmarks for a responsible transition and declares, "Our nation's military forces should remain in Iraq only as long as their presence contributes to a responsible transition. Our nation should look for effective ways to ends their deployment at the earliest opportunity consistent with this goal."

The statement offers support and prayers for U.S. troops in Iraq, their families here at home, their chaplains in the field, the suffering Iraqi people, and Christians and other religious minorities who are especially vulnerable in the region.

Click here copy of the full statement.