Catholic Lobby Denounces President Trump’s Assassination of Iranian General

 

Catholic Lobby Denounces President Trump’s Assassination of Iranian General
NETWORK Lobby Urges Diplomacy over Military Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the aftermath of the Trump administration’s recent assassination of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice must denounce this decision. Soleimani was a murder and war criminal who should have stood trial for his crimes. NETWORK opposes the use of violence, especially when it may lead to more violence.

NETWORK supports the dignity of all human life in the U.S., Iran, and neighboring countries and is particularly concerned about the effect this strike will have for civilians across the Middle East. NETWORK urges the Trump administration to engage in serious diplomacy to prevent further escalation of violence and to work closely with Congress, which has the sole power to declare war.

Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice said:

“President Trump’s assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani undermines diplomacy and our nation’s security. This decision will inevitably escalate conflict with Iran, add to instability in the region, and lead to more death.

“I condemn this killing by the Trump administration. Both international and domestic law prohibit assassination. Additionally, our faith says “Thou shalt not kill.” Soleimani should have been brought to trial for his war crimes. This action by the Administration is both morally and civilly wrong.

“We call on our leaders to find a way to move forward and choose diplomacy over additional military action. If we do not, we will find ourselves engaged in escalated violence and unending war.

“We are meant to be peacemakers. I urge President Trump and his Administration to heed this call. And I call on Congress to exert its authority to prevent war.”

###

NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a nearly 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org