NZ Catholic Bishops: We can no longer watch from the sidelines as the Islamic State continues to inflict immense suffering and brutality.

New Zealand can no longer watch from the sidelines as the Islamic State continues to inflict immense suffering and brutality on the people of Iraq. They must not be left to face such unjust aggression on their own, say the New Zealand Catholic Bishops.

“Pope Francis has said that it is “licit to stop an unjust aggressor”. If by providing training to the Iraqi Army we can assist them to stop the aggressor in their land, then as a matter of promoting the common good we should provide that assistance. Substantial humanitarian support should also be part of New Zealand’s involvement in Iraq,” says Cardinal John Dew, on behalf of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops.

“At this moment our membership of the United Nations Security Council gives us a unique position in global affairs and could be used to advocate strongly in the UN forum for further sanctions and other actions which will stop the flow of arms to ISIS, and prevent it making money from Iraqi assets it has captured,” Cardinal Dew said.

“We urge Christians to pray unceasingly for the people of the Middle East and we pray for global leaders in their efforts to stop those who inflict this brutality on others.” Cardinal Dew said.

ENDS

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