The South African Council of Churches is shocked and deeply saddened by the decision of the United States to launch a war against Iraq, despite its failure to secure the support of the United Nations Security Council for its actions. We pray for all those affected - combatants and non-combatants alike - especially for those in the developing world on whom this war is likely to inflict the greatest and most lasting damage. We commend our own leaders for their continuing efforts to find a peaceful solution through the United Nations and pray that, with God's grace, these may yet bring a rapid cessation of hostilities.

War holds out little hope for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. To the contrary, such aggression is likely to kill, maim and bereave vast numbers of innocent people in Iraq who are already suffering the punitive effects of economic sanctions. We fear also that war will further destabilise the region, intensifying violence and undermining those working for peaceful democratic change. Bridge-building between the West and the Arab and Muslim world will become more difficult. The anger and frustration of communities affected by the war will fuel political extremism.

We are concerned that the United States - a nation that was instrumental in the formation of the United Nations as a mechanism to 'save succeeding generations from the scourge of war' - seems to have turned its back on this vital institution. This decision has very grave implications, not only because it threatens to marginalise the world's primary forum for dialogue and disarmament, but also because it is a conspicuous sign of the United States' lack of respect for international law, democracy and the community of nations.

It must be said clearly: the United Nations was part of the solution, not part of the problem. The UN weapons inspections and disarmament process was making slow but palpable progress. The United Nations must continue to play a central role in resolving the crisis.

The situation in Iraq presents the international community with extraordinary challenges, far more complex than those that Washington cites selectively as a rationale for war. The world's goal for Iraq must be the same as that for any nation: a just and sustainable peace that respects the rights of all in Iraq and in neighboring nations. The ongoing struggle for control of natural resources, the lack of popular and accountable institutions of government, and the enforcement of indiscriminate economic sanctions against Iraq are but a few of the important factors that have obstructed progress toward this goal.

War is not the answer. Faith in violence as a means of solving political problems is dangerous and contrary to our understanding of the Christian way. In particular, it is irresponsible for any nation, including those in the industrialised world, to possess weapons of mass destruction or to threaten their use. Peace between nations can only be won if the international community accepts a common responsibility for achieving disarmament and meeting the basic needs of all. The SACC joins with others around the globe in praying and working for the day when all nations renounce violence in the cause of peace and justice.

For more information, contact Fr. Joe Mdhlela 082 456 5548