TAKING ON TERRORISM -- HOW BISHOPS SEE THE FIGHT

U.S. and British Prelates Give Qualified Support

WASHINGTON, D.C., (Zenit.org).- As the fight against terrorism and the war in Afghanistan goes on, bishops in the United States and United Kingdom continue their reflections on the situation. The episcopal conferences of the American, and English and Welsh prelates, recently published statements on how to apply Catholic teaching to the events taking place.

In a press release Nov. 16, the Media Office of the English and Welsh bishops issued a reflection paper, fruit of a lengthy discussion. The bishops clearly condemned the attacks of Sept. 11 and they affirmed the right to self-defense, as expressed by Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. At the same time, they urged action to find a just peace and specified that military action must be precisely targeted and strictly limited.

The bishops´ conference clarified that it "does not have the role of offering specific political and military solutions in the present situation." The document is based on "the principles of our own faith, and from our perspective as religious leaders."

In relation to the bombing of targets in Afghanistan, the bishops acknowledged "this aspect of the crisis is difficult to evaluate." They stressed the importance of limiting destruction and casualties, but at the same time drew a clear distinction between terrorist actions, not legitimate, and the bombing of military targets, something permitted, even if the latter sometimes cause civilian deaths.

The reflection is critical of the rhetoric of a generalized "war against terrorism," given that this could imply hostilities "could continue indefinitely or arbitrarily." The document calls for a limited campaign and the establishment as soon as possible of a stable government in Afghanistan.

Insofar as the relation between religion and violence is concerned, the bishops called for all religions "to reassert their dedication to the pursuit of justice by peaceful means." They also made an appeal for a "sustained interfaith dialogue."

The Catholic leaders also pointed out the need to support humanitarian relief for a population that has undergone so much suffering.

And, anticipating John Paul II´s recent call for a day of fasting on Dec. 14 and a world day of prayer for peace in January, the document invited Catholics "to express their concern by prayer and fasting."

The reflection finished with an appeal for greater justice in the world. The best way to fight terrorism "seemingly rooted in the utter rejection of Western values, is to challenge the extreme poverty and injustice which create conditions and grievances that terrorists can then exploit," concluded the statement.

Living with faith and hope

On Nov. 15 the U.S. bishops´ conference voted overwhelmingly in favor of the document "A Pastoral Message: Living With Faith and Hope After Sept. 11."

Cardinal Bernard Law, chairman of the International Policy Committee, explained in his introductory remarks that in the formulation of the document the bishops tried to elaborate a three-part response: a resolve to defend the common good; restraint in insisting that traditional moral norms apply; and a long-term focus on the roots of terrorism.

The statement starts off with a reference to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and acknowledges the "loss and pain, anger and fear, shock and determination in the face of these attacks on our nation and all humanity." They also point out how the aggression has stimulated many people´s faith and led to a renewal of prayer by many.

While recognizing the existence of poverty and injustice that can cause grievances, the American bishops rule out the use of violence as a means of resolving problems: "No grievance, no matter what the claim, can legitimate what happened on Sept. 11."

They also express their concern with those who try to justify violence by means of an appeal to religion. "Whatever the motivation, there can be no religious or moral justification for what happened on Sept. 11," according to the bishops.

How to respond

The bishops make clear their rejection of pacifism, declaring, "The dreadful deeds of Sept. 11 cannot go unanswered."

This is because there is a "duty to preserve the common good, protect the innocent, and re-establish peace and order." America therefore "has a moral right and a grave obligation to defend the common good against mass terrorism."

But while the bishops declare their support for a military response, they also lay out a number of moral principles that should guide the use of force.

Any military action must not violate the norms of civilian immunity and proportionality, warns the document: "The traditional moral norms governing the use of force still apply, even in the face of terrorism on this scale."

To this end the statement calls for a continued monitoring of the military action, so as to ensure that the use of force does not cause disproportionate evils.

As well, there needs to be a serious effort in the humanitarian field to aid refugees and the local population. In the postwar era, the bishops call for a determined effort by the United States, the United Nations and others to rebuild Afghanistan.

As to the war´s possible effects within the United States, the bishops call for continued respect "of the basic ideals of justice, freedom, fairness and openness that are hallmarks of our society."

They also warn against giving in to fear, which could lead to ethnic and religious intolerance toward Arab-Americans or Muslims.

The Church leaders admit that there is room for a legitimate difference of opinion on how to respond to terrorism. Moreover, the application of moral principles requires the use of prudence. "Those who subscribe to the just-war tradition can differ in their prudential judgments about its interpretation or its application," they state.

Ensuring justice

In relation to the problem of economic injustice, the bishops called for America to "do more to spread the benefits of globalization to all, especially the world´s poorest." They also asked Americans to recognize how the influence of the more-negative aspects of their culture could harm other societies.

Once more, the bishops state that as to the means of creating a more-just world, there can be a legitimate difference of opinion. What they do ask is that Catholics not remain neutral and that they work in favor of promoting the common good, not just in economic terms, but also in the areas of culture, human rights and all that is related to human dignity.

Like the U.K. statement, the document finishes with an appeal for prayer, fasting and dialogue. Next Jan. 1 is designated as a National Day of Prayer for Peace. They also call for discussion on the Church´s teachings on war and peace within the community.

The bishops ask the faithful to give a personal example of mutual respect and to testify with their lives the principles of human dignity, justice and respect for life.

It is also a time for service, solidarity and hope, state the bishops. In this time of testing, the document reminds Catholics that "we need to turn to God and to one another in hope." The Church in America is called upon, explain the bishops "to live out in our time the challenges of Jesus in the Beatitudes -- to comfort those who mourn, to seek justice, to become peacemakers."

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