ANGLICAN COMMUNION NEWS SERVICE
ACNS 3374
LAMBETH PALACE
24 MARCH 2003

[Photo Credit: Lambeth Palace]
Archbishop: Pastoral letter to Anglican
Primates
The Archbishop
of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has written to the most senior Bishops
and Archbishops of the worldwide Anglican Church to express his concerns
about the conflict in Iraq and his hope for a positive future for the
region.
In his letter to the
Primates of the Anglican Church's 38 Provinces, Dr Williams spoke of his
concern for Christian communities of the Middle East, and of his prayers
for them and their neighbours of other faiths. Acknowledging Iraq as the
homeland of Abraham, Dr Williams also voiced hopes for reconciliation
and justice in the region.
Text of letter to
Anglican Primates
We have entered on a time
of acute suffering for some and of anxiety for all peoples and nations
round the world. As leaders of our Churches within the Anglican
Communion, we must pray that, whatever the many and varied misgivings
expressed, the military action now being undertaken may help to bring
about a more stable future for the whole region, with justice for all.
We shall be thinking
especially of our fellow Christians throughout the Middle East, and
praying that they and their neighbours who belong to other faiths will
find the strength and vision to go on working for a shared future of
understanding and respect. Let us also hold in our prayers Christians in
others parts of the world, who may feel vulnerable and uncertain at this
time of tension.
Those in the front line of
conflict and their families face particular challenges; and in praying
for them and those who seek to support, let us also remember the many
clergy from different countries who are charged with pastoral
responsibility for men and women on active service.
The prayers of the whole
world will be focused in the days ahead on hopes for an early end to
armed conflict and a settlement that will honour the freedom and dignity
of the people of Iraq.
May God our redeemer bring
good out of the passions and tragedies that have scarred that country,
the first homeland of Abraham our father in faith. With Abraham, we look
forward to 'the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is
God' Let us commit ourselves to working under God for the signs of that
city to become manifest among us in reconciliation and justice.
With my love and prayers,
+Rowan CANTUAR