In a statement sent to the Priests and people of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Bathersby today appealed to the priests and people of the Archdiocese for special prayers for peace in Iraq this coming Sunday.
He also asked for prayers for the safety and well being of all people involved, especially for the Australian Defence Service personnel currently serving in that sphere of conflict.
He quoted, with approval for the attention of Priests and other religious leaders, the words of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, spoken in 2002;
“I ask all religious leaders to reject all violence as offensive to the name of God and to be tireless promoters of peace and harmony”.
He urged all religious leaders to follow closely in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II whom he described as a true prophet of peace.
21 March, 2003
Released by Catholic Communications Office