Pastoral approach needed on war and peace issues, say bishops

Published: 2003-11-13

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Bishops must have a pastoral approach to accompany their teachings on war and peace issues, said three members of the hierarchy at a seminar on world issues. They also said that people can have honest disagreements on how to apply principles to specific conflict situations. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, "we had to be consoling, help people make sense of what is going on and make sure that anger didn't turn to hatred," said Washington Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick. "Islamic women in D.C. were spat on in the streets," he said. In the debates leading up to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, it was important to make clear that "pre-emptive war is not consistent with Catholic teaching," said the cardinal. But in making specific judgments church leaders should be aware that they may not have all the facts and that people of good will could disagree, he said. Cardinal McCarrick was one of three bishops on a panel Nov. 9 on the new pastoral challenges regarding peace issues.

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