Bishop Calls for Dialogue On Iraq (Catholic/Orlando)

[struggle4progress]

Catholic official says U.S. troops should pull out "sooner rather than later."

By Cary McMullen
Ledger Religion Editor

LAKELAND -- The Catholic Bishop of Orlando has issued a statement on Iraq, calling for a "serious and civil" dialogue that would lead to a "responsible transition" to Iraqi independence.

This means U.S. military forces should leave Iraq "sooner rather than later," according to the statement by Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, who presides over 11 Catholic congregations in Polk County.

Wenski issued the statement, "Toward a Responsible Transition in Iraq," Thursday afternoon in his capacity as chairman of the Committee on International Policy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The statement reiterates the bishops' opposition to President George Bush's decision to invade Iraq in March 2003 but calls for "an honest assessment of our moral responsibilities" in the present situation ...

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060114/NEWS/601140366/1004

[Charlie Brown]

1. but that's not "responsible criticism"

He's not supporting the troops. Why does he hate America?

[pinerow]

2. In Florida...????...that must be in an alternative universe...

everyone around is super gung-ho...of course they're all retired and fight the war from their barcaloungers...:woohoo:

[LynnTheDem]

3. bishops' opposition to President George Bush's decision to invade Iraq

As did EVERY major religious organization in the world.

Even BUSH'S OWN CHURCH LEADERS said "IMMORAL, UNJUST, ILLEGAL".


Gee what a buncha fuckin' librul pinko commie leftwingnuts. :eyes:

[f-bush]

4. For three years the Church has shirked it's call....

After they came out with their initial statements opposing the war, most of the mainline Churches sat back and let the non-churched protesters take the lead.

The Churches abrogated their moral call of duty to continue to speak out against this unjust and illegal war. I'm heartened to see them get back into the discussion, but too much time has passed with their silence.

In World War II the mainline German churhes were silent and look what happened. Don't fool yourselves, the same thing with Bush is incrementally happening here.

I take solace in the fact that I have been blest enough to belong to a congregation (First United Methodist Church) in Tacoma, that has continually opposed and activiely challaged this administration's war activities. Many more need to do so.

Peace-Mike Collier