ACNS 3357 | LAMBETH PALACE | 20 MARCH 2003

Statement by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York on conflict with Iraq

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York,

Dr David Hope, today issued the following joint statement:

"The road that has led us to military action with Iraq has been a long and

difficult one. It is clear that we have now entered dangerous new terrain

with consequences that cannot be surely known or predicted. Our prayers at

this difficult and troubling time are with all those who will find

themselves embroiled in conflict and its consequences. We pray for

servicemen and women and their families, those who seek to support and to

sustain them, and for the people of Iraq and the region, whose immediate

future is so uncharted.

"Above all we pray that through God's mercy and compassion, peace with

justice may come swiftly."