In 1971...

The Bishops of the United States issued a public statement that the U.S. Military should withdraw from the Vietnam Conflict. They issued this statement because it had become very clear that the conflict no longer adhered to the precepts of Just War doctrine set out by Sts. Augustine and Thomas and the Popes. It had become an unconsionable act which was only serving to further destruction, division and death - which is never acceptable according to the teaching of the Church. We, along with all peoples of the Earth, are called to live out a "seamless consistent life ethic" of love and peace. We are to be instruments of peace - whether we are Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish or Christian.

It is time for the U.S. Bishops to once again issue a public statement calling for the removal of our troops from an area of conflict. This time it is from the war-torn country of Iraq.

It is time for our leaders to do the right thing: end the conflict by bringing our troops home.


Current News Stories relating to this:

Is the U.S. a rogue state? from CBS News.

Poll: Iraquis support attacks on U.S. Troops from the AP.

Bush presses Congress on "Anti-Terror Interrogation" Bill also from the AP.

and finally

The now declassified National Intelligence Estimate on Global Terrorism. from the New York Times (contains excerpts of the document itself).

From these articles, as from many articles written since the war's inception in 2003, it is clear that this war does not follow Just War Doctrine. The only right option is to cease the conflict and to bring our troops home.