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Churches express concern to PM over Iraq

29 January 2003

Following is an excerpt from an open letter to the Prime Minister:

“The possibility of a US led attack on Iraq and Australia’s involvement in such a conflict fills us with much disquiet: such action could have catastrophic consequences.

"If such an attack takes place, the lives of many Iraqi citizens will be put at risk. It is a cause of deep distress that the threat of military action seriously devalues the lives of all people in countries such as Iraq, who are already suffering severely from harsh leadership and the economic impact of extreme sanctions and bombardments.

"It is always deplorable when nations resort to war and the threat of war as an acceptable instrument of foreign policy.

"We, therefore, call on the Australian Government

• to use its influence to dissuade the US Government from the threat of precipitate military action in Iraq;

• to refrain from all support of such threats;

• to continue with diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution of the problems of the region; and

• to work through the United Nations, as the duly constituted international body, for building a secure basis for world peace.

"We believe that God loves all humanity, and that all people – regardless of race, nation or religion – are created in the image of God. This draws the world together, affirms us to be children of God, and unites us as brothers and sisters.

"We affirm the importance of peacemaking through non-violence. The way to peace does not lie through war, but through the transformation of structures of injustice and the politics of exclusion. We affirm this not only because of its effectiveness, but because it is faithful to the prophetic life and ministry of Jesus Christ.”

The letter was endorsed by the following churches:

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For more information, please contact:

John Dalziel, Communications Director
The Salvation Army
Phone: (03) 9896 6007
Mobile: 0417 537 950
Email: