| |
January 17, 2003
Stepping Toward Peace with Iraq
Resources for Prayer and Action
As our government readies our troops and takes steps toward a possible war with Iraq, communities of faith throughout the United States are urging our leaders and all citizens to seriously consider the moral concerns and questions raised by the prospect of a U.S.-led war with Iraq.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops extends a particular call to Catholic lay people-who have the principal responsibility to transform the social order in light of the Gospel-to continue to discern how best to live out their vocation to be "witnesses and agents of peace and justice."
Catholic Relief Services is uniquely placed to comment upon the humanitarian crisis in Iraq and to echo the call of the Bishops to step back from the brink of war and step toward peace.
Information you can use
We invite you to visit the
Catholic Relief Services Web Site
to learn about their work in Iraq. In addition to these humanitarian updates you will find resources for use in parishes, prayer groups, families, high schools and university communities. These materials can be downloaded and freely distributed to individuals and groups in your area.
CRS' department of Church Outreach will be providing links to and descriptions of ways in which individuals, parish communities, and dioceses are taking steps toward peace. Send your ideas, links to and descriptions of events, prayers, discussions, and dialogues to advocacy@catholicrelief.org for consideration on their website. Please include a subject heading of "best practices" on your correspondence. Check back periodically to see what others are doing!
Best Practice
The Office of Justice and Peace in the Diocese of Richmond has put together some excellent resources for education and advocacy on Iraq. These include action alerts for their parish legislative network, a study session on what Church leaders are saying about war with Iraq, and suggestions for parish and campus leaders. You can access these items, plus more prayer and action resources on the World Day of Peace, at http://www.richmonddiocese.org
Bulletin Quotes
Included in the side bar you will find selected quotes which could be used in bulletins to promote prayer services, discussion groups, or simply to raise awareness about the position of Pope John Paul II and of the U.S. Bishops regarding war with Iraq.
Contact Us
For more information contact Barbara Ballenger, Adovcacy Communications Specialist, (410) 951-7424 or Kathy Brown, Advocacy Unit Manager, (410) 951-7232.
As this situation develops, CRS will continue to provide updated information and resources. Bookmark our web page and visit us often.
|
