In a statement, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the government "not to be led by the might of superpowers but by right prudential judgment based on fundamental moral principles."
An "imminent war against Iraq is not morally just," the CBCP said, warning that even a swift war would radicalize moderates, heighten animosities and lead to an increase of terrorist attacks.
The bishops also called on the United States not to launch any war as it urged Iraq to comply with all United Nations resolutions for disarmament.
President Arroyo, a devout Catholic, has been one of the most vocal Asian supporters of US President George W. Bush who has been pushing for military action against Iraq for its alleged refusal to disarm.
About 64 million of the 80 million Filipinos are Catholics, making the Philippines Asia’s bastion of Catholicism.
Pope John Paul II, leader of the Catholic church, has emerged as one of the most vocal opponents against a US-led war on Iraq, and has met with a range of world leaders over the past weeks in his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. – AFP, Katherine Adraneda