War out of line with Catholic teaching
I concur with what the Pope, the US bishops and religious leaders throughout the world have said. Resorting to war under current circumstances clearly does not meet the strict conditions in Catholic teaching.
Traditional Christian teaching offers ethical principles and moral criteria that should guide these critical choices. It is vital that America, as a Christian nation, persist in the difficult challenge of maintaining broad international support for constructive, effective and legitimate ways to contain and deter aggressive Iraqi actions and threats.
It is worrying to see efforts to expand the traditional definition of a just cause for war against Iraq, lacking clear and adequate evidence of an imminent attack.
The Catholic cathecism limits the choice of war to cases where the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations is lasting, grave and certain.
A distinction should be made between efforts to change unacceptable behaviour and to end a government.
Guimís anois go himlán le Íosa prionsa na siochána agus le Mhuire.
Banríon na siochána chun stop iomlán do chur ar an cogadh seo.
An tAth Michéal O Caimbeál,
31, Radharc an Clochair,
Mainistir na Corann,
Co Chorcaí.
