Thursday, October 15, 2009

Synopsis of Bishops' Statement on Military Force in Afghanistan

The U.S. Bishops via their Committee on International Justice and Peace. It sent its appeal [the full text] to General James Jones, the U.S. National Security Advisor.

He wrote the letter to offer guidelines and suggestions while the country's administration reviews its strategy in Afghanistan.

"While we are pastors and teachers and not military experts," [Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany] stated on behalf of the entire conference, "we can share Catholic teaching and experience which may help inform various policy choices."

Bishop Hubbard also noted "that the situation in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan is at a critical juncture. Should these states fail, particularly with Pakistan possessing nuclear weapons, there are grave implications for regional and international security."

The full text of their appeal includes three principles and recommends five actions.

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