I heard this story very early Sunday (EST) but could find no mention in the blogosphere, not even on the BBC site. I found it on the Church of England site, entitled
`Countering Terrorism: Power, Violence and Democracy Post 9/11' and it is a powerful indictment of the Bush administration, its misuse of religion as a cover for its aims for world domination, and the theological fallacies of the American Christian fundamentalism that supposts Bushco. More below the jump.
The report also examines the United States' sense of `moral righteousness' and questions the way some American Christians have used Biblical texts to support a political agenda in the Middle East. The bishops argue: "There is no uniquely righteous nation. No country should see itself as the redeemer nation, singled out by God as part of his providential plan."
The report calls for a strengthening of the United Nations as "the legitimate authority for military intervention" and opposes democracy being "imposed on any other country by force," saying it must be adopted by a nation "in culturally appropriate ways."
At 101 pages ,it is a lengthy but fascinating read. It is a good analysis of the complex social/political/religious forces that have resulted in the ubiquitous tragedies perpetrated in the deity's name (pick a deity, any deity).
The Bishops call for a joint governmental/Church apology for this immoral aggression and posit a plan for troop extrication. Radical. Gee, and I wonder why the press isn't picking up on this?