ny military action against Iraq at this time is not morally justifiable,” repeats the U.S. Conference of Major Superiors (C.M.S.M.), clearly taking a position against the Iraq war in a letter sent to the Ambassador to the Holy See, Jim Nicholson. The letter has a long list of signatures, headed up by that of the President of the C.M.S.M., Fr. Canice Connors, O.F.M.Conv., and followed by Dave Robinson, National Coordinator of Pax Christi.
During all this time, the Administration has continued to prepare for war, by deploying troops to the Middle East, conducting war games in the U.S., resuming the use of live ammunition target practice in Vieques, lobbying the international community for support.
“Vidimus Dominum” has obtained the complete text of the letter, which begins by commenting on the presentation organized in Rome by the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See for next Monday afternoon when Catholic Theologian Michael Novak will speak on “Just War”.
Novak is well known in conservative circles in the U.S. and sustains the legitimacy of an armed intervention against Iraq from a Catholic point of view. His presence in Rome seems to be a “diplomatic action” to move the Holy See toward a less pacifistic position.
The U.S. Religious Superiors of the C.M.S.M. write to Ambassador Nicholson about this question. “We have read a disturbing report that you have appointed a U.S. theologian to meet with representatives of the Holy See to outline the moral justification for the current preparation for war against Iraq.”
“During all this time, the Administration has continued to prepare for war, by deploying troops to the Middle East, conducting war games in the U.S., resuming the use of live ammunition target practice in Vieques, lobbying the international community for support.”
In the first part of the lengthy letter, the religious declare, “As leaders of Catholic organizations, religious orders, theologians, educators, and pastoral workers, we have dialogued and reflected on the current situation in light of our rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching and our practical experiences. Our reflection, guided also by the clear and consistent statements from our Church leaders, including Pope John Paul II, have led us to conclude that any military action against Iraq at this time is not morally justifiable. There remain many avenues of peaceful, diplomatic alternatives that have not been explored."
(From VID)