On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, the President of the U.S. Conference of Bishops, Gregory Wilton, reiterated the reservations expressed by the American Catholic bishops in their letter to President Bush of September 16, 2002.

"We have no illusions about the behaviour and intentions of, or dangers posed by, the Iraqi government," he wrote. "We join with Pope John Paul II in insisting that Iraq make 'concrete commitments' to meet the legitimate demands of the international community and to avoid war."

However, he continued, "Our bishops' conference continues to question the moral legitimacy of any pre-emptive, unilateral use of military force to overthrow the government of Iraq."

"To permit pre-emptive or preventive uses of military force to overthrow threatening or hostile regimes would create deeply troubling moral and legal precedents," the bishop added. "Based on the facts that are know, it is difficult to justify resort to war against Iraq, lacking clear and adequate evidence of an imminent attack of a grave nature of Iraq's involvement in the terrorist attacks of September 11. With the Holy See and many religious leaders throughout the world, we believe that resort to war would not meet the strict conditions in Catholic teaching for the use of military force."

Bishop Gregory continued: "In our judgment, resort to war in this case should have broad international support. As crucial decisions draw near, we join the Holy See in once again urging all leaders to step back from the brink of war and to continue to work through the United Nations to contain, deter, and disarm Iraq."

"If there is armed conflict," he said, "we must be prepared for all of its implications and its aftermath. An already long-suffering Iraqi population could face terrible new burdens, and a region already full of conflict and refugees could see more conflict and many more refugees, with ethnic and religious minorities particularly vulnerable."

"A postwar Iraq would require a long-term commitment to reconstruction, humanitarian and refugee assistance, and establishment of a stable, democratic government at a time when the U.S. federal budget is overwhelmed by increased defence spending and the costs of war."

"As pastors and teachers, we understand that there are no easy answers," he added. "People of good will may differ on how traditional norms apply in this situation. Our hearts and prayers go out especially to those who may bear the burden of these terrible choices-the men and women of our armed forces and their families, the people of Iraq, and the leaders of our nation and world who face momentous decisions of life and death, of war and peace."