Convener/Neach-gairm: Rev. Alan D. McDonald

Vice Convener/Iar neach-gairm: Ms Morag Ross

Secretary/Rùnaire: Rev. Dr David Sinclair

The terrorist atrocities of September 11^th in the United States constituted acts of barbarism and evil on a level which almost defied belief and which can never be justified. The loss of so many innocent lives has deeply affected millions of people and there can be little doubt that the events of that day will define the agenda for the international community for many years to come.

On the following day, we wrote to the American Ambassador to extend our deepest sympathy to his nation and to the thousands of families who have lost loved ones, to those who were physically injured and to the many who bear mental scars. We continue to remember all of these as well as the rescue workers who are still toiling in difficult and dangerous circumstances and the authorities in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington who have had to cope with the terrible aftermath of the attacks.

It would have been an understandable human reaction to seek immediate vengeance and retribution following such atrocities. We pray for the continued restraint of the administration of the United States and the international coalition which has acknowledged that the response of the world community must be based on justice and not on vengeance. The resurrection faith of the Christian Church points to alternative ways in which catastrophe and violence can be followed by better things.

• the continuation of the policy of restraint in a commitment to bring to justice those who carried out these acts.
• The arrest and trial of the people who financed and planned the attacks.
• We believe that such justice ought to be administered in an international court of law and in the framework of the United Nations. It would be wrong for any nation to look for international alliances for war while withholding full support for such international institutions.

• We support efforts which have been made in improving intelligence and security against terrorist groups, along with steps taken to freeze the financial assets of known terrorists.
• The moral argument being brought to bear on any government which supports terrorism or harbours terrorists must be unending.
• It has been encouraging to witness countries which were enemies in the past, or had previously known poor relations, joining together in a coalition against terrorism.

The Church of Scotland General Assembly has consistently expressed grave reservations and, on occasion, complete opposition to the use of military force to resolve international disputes. The Church and Nation Committee has yet to be convinced that the use of military force in Afghanistan can be justified. If it led to the loss of more innocent lives and an even greater escalation in the present serious refugee crisis, it would also lead to a new generation of martyrs rising up to die for their cause. Any military response would have to be proportionate, accurate and have a reasonable expectation of success. A "show of strength" would do nothing to make the world a safer place.

We are in no doubt that the Taliban regime has ruled over the people of Afghanistan with a horrifying mixture of ignorance and terror, respecting no human rights and creating an atmosphere of fear - particularly for women and for religious minorities. The people of Afghanistan played no part in the events of September 11^th and their government has no democratic mandate. After years of repression and war their suffering, which has to be addressed with urgency, is the responsibility of the entire international community, particularly that part of it which equipped and trained the Taliban in an attempt to combat the occupation by forces of the Soviet Union. One of the many lessons in all of this is that we should never define our friends by our enemies.

War is the extreme result of the failure of politics. If, therefore, we are to be at war, it is time to examine the extent and the causes of that failure. We welcome the Prime Minister's acknowledgement (in his speech to the Labour Party conference, 2^nd October 2001) that there are world problems which urgently need to be addressed. We agree with him that political will rather than military might is required. These problems are not new and the failure of political will to address them in the past is the failure which is now leading, it seems, to war.

If war is to be the result, we believe that it is vital that there are conditions which must apply. There must be clear evidence of the guilt of those targeted. It must be in accordance with International Law. It must be proportionate to the end in view. Article 57 of the Geneva Convention must be adhered to, i.e. "constant care must be taken to spare civilian populations, civilians and civilian objects", and humanitarian aid must not be blocked. The UN Security Council must be consulted and kept fully informed.

Terrorism often arises out of a sense of grievance and a desire for revenge which can then be fuelled by fundamentalist religion. Nevertheless governments and international institutions must hear these grievances without dismissing them out of hand and must seek to overcome underlying injustices. On a global scale, the failure by many western governments to increase aid to developing nations to reasonable levels, as well as writing off their debts, has resulted in the gap between rich and poor widening. It is much easier for tyrants to gain control of nations in which the people are too impoverished to resist them. In the war against world poverty and environmental degradation it will be right to say: "you are either for us or against us."

The use of language has already been an issue in this crisis. The continual juxtaposition of the words "Islamic" and "terrorist" has fed a rise in racist abuse and violence. The original use of the phrase "infinite justice" as a name for the operation was crassly insensitive and displayed astonishing ignorance. The use of the word "crusade" by President Bush fed into a history of aggression and colonialism, both perceived and real, and should have been avoided. Such emotive language, as well as increasing the possibility of racial attacks against Muslims in our communities, risks being interpreted as an attack on the entire Muslim world.

We recognise also that the current crisis heightens the potential vulnerability of Christian living in predominantly Muslim countries. We assure our partner churches in all such situations of our loving concern and prayer at this time. We urge that protection of the security and welfare of minority groups everywhere must be one of the principles of justice underlying the campaign against terrorism. We call for prayer and financial support for the aid agencies working to relieve the suffering of the refugees fleeing both oppressive rule and impending bloodshed, and remember in particular our own aid agency, Christian Aid, and its current appeal for the people of Afghanistan.

Throughout all of this we maintain our deep concern for all members of our armed forces who are involved in the present situation. We remember all of them, their families and their chaplains in our prayers at this critical time.

We join the call of religious leaders to all people of faith to join in the National Day of Prayer on October 5^th and to continue to pray and to work for a peaceful and just resolution to the present crisis, and to pray for the leaders of the nations as they bear the responsibility for so many lives in the decisions they make. Finally, we call on all church members to be neighbours in word and deed to those living nearest to them and who may be made more vulnerable in the current crisis.