Catholics for an End to the War in Iraq

July 13, 2007 - Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In light of evidence that shows Catholics consider the Iraq War a top political issue, a social justice organization began a campaign to help Catholic voters voice their opposition to the war.

Catholics United, a nonpartisan organization, launched Catholics for an End to the War in Iraq July 12 to encourage Catholics to advocate for diplomacy, redevelopment and a "responsible withdrawal" of U.S. troops from Iraq, according to a release.

Participants will ask political leaders to "bring together Iraq's warring factions in a multiparty conference that involves neighboring countries in the peace process" and to "provide funding and other support for reconstruction to be done by Iraqis in ways that benefit Iraqis," according to the campaign's Web site, www.catholicsforanend.org.

The campaign also seeks the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq and asks the U.S. not to have a long-term presence in the country.

Catholics can participate in the campaign by going online to the campaign's Web site and signing a petition to ask the nation's leaders to commit to the campaign's goals.

The campaign also provides opportunities for Catholics to join media campaigns and local events to pressure leaders to seek peace and troop withdrawals.

The Iraq War is an important issue for many Catholics, according to a poll cited by Catholics United in a release.

A 2006 postelection poll showed that 47 percent of Catholics thought the war was the most important issue for them in the election.

Chris Korzen, executive director of Catholics United, said in a statement that his organization's campaign provides an opportunity for Catholics to take part in the broader movement to end the war and to tell leaders that "our faith community demands immediate action on this issue, and will no longer tolerate an open-ended commitment in Iraq."

Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic peace movement, and Network, a national Catholic social justice lobby, also support the campaign initiative to get Catholics involved in asking for an end to the war.

"It's critical that Catholics work together to change the course of the U.S. occupation of Iraq," said Sister Simone Campbell, a Sister of Social Service who is executive director of Network.

"Pope John Paul II spoke out against the invasion. Pope Benedict XVI has met with President (George W.) Bush expressing his concern," she said. "The U.S. bishops have issued statements of concern. Now it's time for the Catholic people and all people of good will to demand a responsible end to this military occupation."

According to its Web site, Catholics United is a national online community of Catholics. Founded as Catholics United for the Common Good, the group came out of a voter education project to promote the U.S. bishops' 2003 document, "Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility."