A statement from the
Federation Leadership
Council

public statements

Statement of the U.S. Federation Sisters of St. Joseph On the War in Iraq

March 19 is the feast of St. Joseph and the fourth anniversary of the war in Iraq. We, the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates, strongly voice our opposition to the enduring war in Iraq and the escalation of troops. We are a community of 6,500 women religious and 2,500 associates who believe that this war continues to destroy the gifts of Earth and increases violence in an area of the world desperately in need of dialogue and diplomacy.

Women and men serve our country in this war with dedication and sacrifice; we pray for a prompt and safe return to their families. We are saddened by the dreadful loss of both military and civilian lives, among Americans, Iraqis, and all in harm's way. We pray for peace in the Middle East and for all who have been affected by the violence and loss.

As the U.S. Federation Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates we are dedicated to action that leads to reconciliation. We challenge leaders and people of good will to build relationships that foster just and nonviolent solutions in Iraq and the surrounding region. We call upon the U.S. government and its allies to work with the United Nations to promote a comprehensive cease fire and to promote concrete plans for securing peace, economic development and reconciliation among the deeply divided Iraqi factions. Such steps, we believe, could lead to a hope-filled future for the people of Iraq.

The Leadership Council of the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph