Bishops finalize Iraq statement, urge new directions in war, policy

Published: 2007-11-13

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Some U.S. policymakers "seem to fail to recognize sufficiently the reality and failures in Iraq and the imperative for new directions," warned the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in a new statement on transition in Iraq. The statement issued Nov. 13 by the conference president, Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., reiterates the bishops' insistence that the transition of U.S. forces out of Iraq should take into account moral issues, such as minimizing the loss of human life, addressing the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, the situation of refugees and the protection of human rights, especially religious freedom. The bishops agreed a day earlier to have Bishop Skylstad issue a statement on their behalf. The statement bemoans the "political and partisan stalemate in Washington" that it described as a parallel to the "dangerous political stalemate" that blocks reconciliation in Iraq. It also includes a question-and-answer supplement that describes in greater detail the USCCB positions on action in Iraq, on withdrawal of troops, on fighting terrorism and on the treatment of religious minorities in Iraq, refugees and U.S. military personnel and their families.

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