Archbishop Williams: pastoral letter to Anglican Primates

[David Virtue]

Archbishop Williams: pastoral letter to Anglican Primates

(ACNS) 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: