Cycle of Violence in the Middle East

 

Pastoral Message aired on KNXT-TV during August 2006

Bishop John T. Steinbock

 

My dear People of God,

 

To speak about embryonic stem cell research as being a disservice to the cause of respect for life and to speak against abortion which destroys human life, without speaking out against the violence in the Middle East is to give hollow testimony to God’s will to respect all human life.   If we are to bear testimony to the Truth of the dignity of all human life and the basic right to life that comes from God alone, and bear testimony that all human life is to be respected and reverenced, our testimony must condemn every kind of action that disrespects, demeans and destroys human life.  This includes not only abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, but also using military means to achieve political and economic ends, torture in all its forms, continuing imprisonment without any charges, and war itself, as if it were a viable means in our day and age for resolving conflicts.

 

The horrific cycle of violence in the Middle East is destroying the lives of innocent people on all sides of the conflict as well as the hopes for necessary negotiations that could lead to a just peace.  Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict the XVI, has spoken out clearly regarding this conflict: “Neither terrorist acts nor reprisals can be justified, especially when there are tragic consequences for the civilian population.”  Allowing and not speaking out against indiscriminate attacks on innocent people by both sides cannot be justified.  People live in a dream world if they believe that violence, indiscriminate bombing, and murder should be used with the hope it will change things for a lasting peace.

 

No indiscriminate bombing and killing, from whatever side or for whatever purpose, will ever bring a lasting or just peace.  Violence breeds hatred and more violence is certain to follow.  It doesn’t do much good to speak against abortion and embryonic stem cell research if we do not protest and condemn the attacks on civilians and condemn the disproportionate, indiscriminate, and demeaning actions on the side of all parties, including ourselves, in trying to resolve conflict.

 

Let us raise our hearts in prayer to almighty God begging for peace in our world, and begging that we do not condition ourselves to accept violence as a means for resolving conflict, whether it be in our personal lives, in our home life, or in the world.  Let us pray for all parties and for all sides in the conflict in the Middle East and unite our prayers with those of our Holy Father who recently said: “Let us pray to Mary, Queen of Peace, to implore from God the fundamental gift of concord, bringing political leaders back to the path of reason, and opening new possibilities of dialogue and agreement.”  With God all things are possible.  Let us pray especially for the families of all the innocent men, women and children, on both sides, who are needlessly dying and being maimed for life.  God, hear our prayer, and forgive us.