"To CI Member Organisations

Dear Friends,

We at Caritas Internationalis raise our voices with people across the world and condemn the acts of terror committed in the United States. We mourn the loss of so many human beings, and open our hearts to the families, friends and loved ones who are grieving. The horrific crimes against the people of the United States we all witnessed are truly crimes against humanity. Terrorism can in no way be justified or tolerated, for whatever cause.

For our many Caritas Confederation colleagues working on every continent for peace and reconciliation, events such as these, born of hatred, and depraved minds and hearts, test the very nature of our commitment to build a civilisation of love. We must not be deterred from our efforts to construct a just and peaceful society for all.

In the search for those responsible for this tragedy, let no one take justice into his or her own hands, or place the blame on entire ethnic groups or other religious bodies. More innocent people should not be sacrificed on the altar of revenge. Those affected should respond strategically in unexpected ways in order to break the cycle of violence and to ensure more recruits are not drawn into the web of terror.

We hope that the United States, its allies and the entire international community numbed by the events of 11 September will do the following to avoid spilling more blood: first, we recommend pursuing even more vigorously the bringing of a just peace between Palestine and Israel; secondly, wealthier countries should invest heavily in development, education and health care in poorer countries, including Islamic ones, and work for the implementation of the humanitarian agenda outlined by the UN summits over the last decade; thirdly, we should strive even more seriously for an inter-religious dialogue, particularly with Islam, as well as a dialogue with secular states.

If we are to defeat those who sponsor and carry out acts of terror, we must join together with all men and women of goodwill in every corner of the world to eradicate hatred, violence, selfishness, and contempt from the human heart as well as the root causes of injustice, poverty, and inequality that serve as the breeding grounds of hate.

Let us not surrender to hate, but take this opportunity to renew our pledge to work for a society that reflects the Reign of God, where justice, peace, truth, freedom and solidarity prevail.

Yours in Christ,

H.E. Msgr Fouad El-Hage, President
Duncan MacLaren, Secretary General"

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