A Plea for Solidarity from Chaldean Catholics to Diocese of San Diego, March 21, 2003

To the Chaldean Catholics of the Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle
and
To the Roman Catholics of the Diocese of San Diego

March 21, 2003

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

In time of war our first obligation is to pray for peace and especially for those most directly affected by the conflict. In the Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle and in the Diocese of San Diego there are many Chaldeans with relatives and friends in Iraq, and there are many families, including Chaldeans, with loved ones serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Our task now is to pray that war's deadly consequences will be limited, that civilian life will be protected, that weapons of mass destruction will be eliminated, and that the people of Iraq will soon enjoy lasting peace with freedom and justice.

Let us pray for those immediately affected by the war:

• for the long-suffering people of Iraq, especially innocent civilians, that their lives will be spared;
• for those placed at risk by providing response to humanitarian needs;
• for the safety of all combatants and military personnel and for their families and loved ones.

Let us pray for our political and military leaders:

• that they observe the moral and legal restraints on the conduct of war;
• that they realize their commitment to avoid unnecessary causalities and that they respect the value and dignity of human life;
• that they limit military force to the minimum necessary to accomplish justice and peace.

Let us pray for the leaders of the international community:

• that they will provide adequate resources to respond to the increasing human needs of the Iraqi people;
• that they unite with the Iraqi people to build a just and enduring peace in their country.

With Pope John Paul II we invite the faithful of our Eparchy and Diocese to "dedicate this Lenten season to reflection, prayer and fasting that the trials and tragedy of war will soon be replaced by a just and lasting peace."

Sincerely in our Lord,

Eparchial Bishop of St. Peter the Apostle
Diocesan Bishop of San Diego