Echoing the appeal of Pope Francis and Catholic prelates in Syria, two leaders of the US bishops’ conference urged President Barack Obama to seek a political solution in Syria.
In a letter released by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops yesterday, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Richard E. Pates chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace wrote: “We have heard the urgent calls of the successor of St Peter, Pope Francis, and our suffering brother bishops of the venerable and ancient Christian communities of the Middle East. As one, they beg the international community not to resort to military intervention in Syria.”
The letter affirmed the bishops’ prayers for the administration and acknowledged that “that the situation in Syria is complex,” and said they “appreciate the patience and restraint that your administration has exercised to date.”
Cardinal Dolan of New York and Bishop Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, affirmed Obama’s decision to invite public dialogue and congressional review of possible military action, saying they wanted to contribute to that discussion in their capacity as pastors and teachers.
“We join you in your absolute condemnation of the use of chemical weapons in Syria,” they said. “These indiscriminate weapons have no place in the arsenals of the family of nations. With you we mourn for the lives lost and grieve with the families of the deceased.”
The clerics said they remain concerned for the more than 100,000 Syrians who have died and the 6 million who remain refugees or are displaced within their country.
However, they said, both the pope and the Syrian Catholic bishops have made clear “that a military attack will be counterproductive, will exacerbate an already deadly situation and will have unintended negative consequences.”
They concluded by noting that the long-standing position of the USCCB is that Syria needs a political solution.
“We ask the United States to work urgently and tirelessly with other governments to obtain a cease-fire, initiate serious negotiations, provide impartial humanitarian assistance, and encourage efforts to build an inclusive society in Syria that protects the rights of all its citizens, including Christians and other minorities.”
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.