Peace, Nonviolence & Just War
Statements

Statement on Iraq
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, President, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, February 26, 2003

An Ash Wednesday Call To Prayer and Fasting for the Cause of Peace
Pope John Paul II, February 23, 2003

I Pray, No to War on Iraq
Arthur N. Tafoya, Bishop of Pueblo, February 15, 2003

"Pacem in Terris: A Permanent Commitment" Pope's Message for World Day of Peace
Pope John Paul II, January 1, 2003

Statement on Iraq
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 13, 2002

U.S. Bishops Letter to President Bush on Iraq
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, September 13, 2002

Statement on the Possibility of a War with Iraq
Cardinal Roger M. Mahony

Alternative News Sources

US Catholic - Salt of the Earth
Catholic News Service
American Catholic

Just War - Just War tradition provides the conditions (every condition need to be met) under which a war might be considered justifiable. Just War tradition does not claim war is ever necessary, preferable, or even the best option. The Catholic Church has remained consistent in its declaration that the war against Iraq does not meet the criteria for a just war.

Information on Iraq from various websites:
Southeast Minnesota Peacemakers National Conference of Catholic Bishops Catholic Relief Services NETWORK Catholic Social Justice lobby
Pax Christi USA Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis Voices in the Wilderness Sign the Peace Pledge
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you."
[Lk 6:27-28]
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
[Mt 5:9]

Criteria for a
Just War