Bishops oppose possible war in Iraq

Bishops oppose possible war in Iraq

JAKARTA: The Bishops Conference of Indonesia (KWI) has
expressed its concern over the United States' threat of military
action in Iraq, as they speculated that it could cause the deaths
of human beings in Iraq.

"We are focusing our attention on those who may fall victim to
such a war. They are God's creatures who will be destroyed by
war. We reject war and promote peace on the grounds that war is a
form of contempt of God," KWI said in a letter dated Jan. 31 to
all bishops and Catholics in the country.

The letter, a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta
Post, was signed by KWI chief Julius Kardinal Darmaatmadja and
secretary-general Ignatius Suharyo.

The conference also wrote its Iraqi counterpart and the
country's people, in a show of sympathy for any future "pain and
suffering". It also urged the Iraqi government to protect and
ensure the safety of its people if such an attack transpires.

KWI also asked all Catholics in 35 dioceses across the country
to dedicate the upcoming holy masses on Feb. 9 to promote peace
in Iraq. -- JP