War out of line with Catholic teaching

THE US bishops have urged the US Administration to step back from the brink of war, saying clearly they find it difficult to justify.

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.