British bishop welcomes Iran's decision to release British sailors

Published: 2007-04-05

LONDON (CNS) -- The head of Great Britain's military diocese has welcomed the Iranian government's decision to release 15 captured British sailors and marines. Bishop Thomas Burns of the Bishopric of the Forces said the decision by the Iranian government to free the 14 men and one woman was "not just as the result of diplomacy, but also as an act of mercy" in accordance with Islam. He said in a statement issued to Catholic News Service April 4 that the Iranians decided "to put their faith into action to resolve the situation." He said, "Faith in a forgiving God has been exemplified in action by their good deeds." He said, "My delight will be shared certainly by the 15 naval personnel themselves as well as by their navy colleagues who know them so well, and by their families, friends and loved ones. There will also be a degree of quiet satisfaction among the diplomatic community that they have brought this crisis to a satisfactory end."

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