Dear Leaders and Members of CLC:
Many of us in CLC-USA have been in
opposition to and continue to oppose our government's decision to invade Iraq.
We abhor the loss of life on all sides and agree with the Pope and our own US
Bishops that this war is unjust and dangerous for the world.
America is divided on this question with many in opposition and the many others
- the polls would say most - supporting our government's actions. We do not
know what every CLC member believes about the war. Most, as we speak with them,
believe as we do that this pre-emptive strike on another country is wrong, and
we do not want it done in our name.
We are also aware, as leadership, that we have no mechanism in CLC-USA to take
a corporate stand on this or any issue. As a result, we, as leadership, believe
we need to stop short of speaking for CLC-USA. We can, however, speak to our
own conviction as leaders and members.
"We members of Christian Life Community® of the United States of America declare our solidarity with the Holy
Father, the Bishops of the United States and our Jesuit brothers in denouncing
the United States attack on Iraq. We pray in solidarity with all who have condemned
this war, for an end to the violence, for safety of all peoples involved and
for a lasting and just peace."
The ExCo of the United States is asking you to circulate the above message as
widely as possible. If anyone wishes to sign on, please send those names to
Dorothy Zambito at dmz60@aol.com. When we
feel there has been time for this to be spread around, we will compile a list
of those supporting the statement and send it on to the WCLC in Rome for circulation
as they see fit.
In the name of Jesus, the Prince of peace,
ExCo of CLC-USA:
Dorothy Zambito, Lois Campbell, Ramon Calzada,SJ, Kitty Gray and Paul Kenney,
SJ