Public Statement on the Occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the War in Iraq
The Franciscan Sisters of Peace, reflecting on the War in Iraq as it begins its fifth year,
are moved to echo the words of Pope John Paul II, “war is a defeat for humanity.”
We join our voice to that of all the other members of the Leadership Conference of
Women Religious who have stated that “war dehumanizes and diminishes all of the
human community and devastates the Earth”.
As followers of St. Francis, we wish to imitate him in his efforts to promote peace in the
world and to develop or restore right relationships between people and nations and with
the earth.
The Franciscan Sisters of Peace pledge to continue our prayers for a just and peaceful
resolution of this war. We will continue to develop our charism of peacemaking by
raising our voice in support of nonviolent measures to end the war. We will continue to
advocate for action to restore basic human rights to all people. We will continue to trust
that the message of gospel peace can and will be heard in our world.