Statement by Bishop Sullivan on Conflict in Iraq, March 20, 2003

"Our nation is at war with Iraq. I deeply regret that our nation's leaders have determined that war is necessary to resolve our differences with Iraq. Yet, we must now be united in a concern for all those caught up in this conflict.

"We pray for our troops and their families, the people of Iraq, and the cause of peace.

"We offer pastoral support to members of our armed forces and their families at this difficult time. They deserve unwavering support, especially from those of us who question this move toward war. We pray that our troops will be safely reunited with their families. "We pray for the people of Iraq. May there be minimal loss of life, both among our troops and among the Iraqi people, especially among innocent civilians. May there be minimal destruction to their country and to the historic city of Baghdad. May we as a nation stand ready to help rebuild what we have destroyed.

"We pray for a spirit of tolerance in this time of war. It is too easy for rears about the war to turn into discrimination against our Muslim and Arab neighbors her and abroad. We must guard our hearts against hate. "Finally, we pray for peace. We need to heed the insight of Pope John Paul II who recently reminded us, ‘War is always a defeat for humanity.' May the conflict be short and loss of lives minimal. May we stand ready to build a lasting peace on the foundation of justice for all."