23 January 2003

There is deep public concern in Ireland, North and South, and at all levels of the Church over the seemingly inevitable prospect of armed conflict in Iraq.

Speaking today on behalf of the Church of Ireland's Church in Society Committee, its chairman Bishop Michael Jackson of Clogher said: "The Church of Ireland is concerned about what constitutes a just war and what practical humanitarian help can be given in the event of war with all its terrible consequences in terms of human suffering."

Bishop Jackson continued: " The Committee is convinced that we need to revisit the criteria by which we have historically judged wars to be just or otherwise. This is a matter of human and theological urgency.

"Of course we accept that in the short term it will not be possible to deliver a theologically rounded statement of criteria applicable to the situation of modern warfare but some issues are clear."

Bishop Jackson said the Church in Society Committee identified three main issues:

• Targeting unprotected civilian areas.
• Military technology that not only devastates target areas but also causes long-term genetic damage to individuals and communities by the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.
• The shame of war itself in destroying our environment in human and ecological terms.

The Church is also concerned for the well being of members of the armed forces.

Bishop Jackson said: "These men and women seek to serve peaceful concerns and to protect not only national but international interests that are appropriately defined. Ministering in war is as vital as speaking out for or against war and the Church acknowledges the need to provide appropriate pastoral care to those directly involved in any conflict."

Bishop Jackson added: "The Church in Society Committee has noted the imbalance in relation to the holding of weapons of mass destruction by the Western powers in comparison with emerging nations. This is something that is all too often left unchallenged. So who will set an example and demonstrate how peace is to be achieved?

"We are now making an urgent plea that the UN Weapons Inspection initiative in Iraq is done diligently and efficiently and without prejudice. The appropriate UN Resolutions and Conventions must be adhered to throughout this process and every diplomatic step taken to avert armed conflict. We call on all Christians to pray for peace."