April 14, 2003

The Standing Committee of the Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia, meeting in Singapore on 19-21 March 2003:

. is deeply saddened by the outbreak of hostilities in Iraq, recognising that war causes indiscriminate and untold suffering to many

. prays to the Lord that the international community, even at this stage, will seek a just and lasting solution to the conflict in Iraq and calls on our members to continue to pray for enduring peace with justice and equity both in Iraq and the Middle East, as well as other troubled spots in the world

. recognises and identifies with deep concern, anxiety and fear what the current situation has produced about the future of our world in general

. seeks to comfort our members and to encourage them to hold fast to God's promised peace and presence in all situations, as revealed to us in His word

. commends our members to respond in real and practical ways and in Christian love towards humanitarian relief and rehabilitation in post-war Iraq

. reminds our members of the certain hope that we have in Christ Jesus and that God's holy and loving will shall ultimately reign supreme, to lead lives consistent with this hope and to share the reasons for this assurance with those around us

Anglican Communion News Service