News Release #341

Released to media on October 9, 2001

New Ulm – In a statement to parish leaders, Bishop John C. Nienstedt stated: "The military response of our government and Great Britain in Afghanistan is understandable in light of the terrorist attacks of September 11. Our prayers go out to the members of the armed forces who have been engaged as well as their loved ones who bear the burden of risk.

At the same time, our Catholic teaching has always tempered a 'just cause' for self defense with a prudent sense of proportionality and the intention, even in the midst of conflict, to restore peace with justice. Our Catholic 'Just War' teaching forbids acts of vengeance and the indiscriminate use of violence.

I believe that we have an opportunity in this moment to teach God's people the truths that are derived from our Catholic tradition and to console them with the hope that life is more compelling than death and love is more powerful than revenge."