“May reason and wisdom triumph over hatred and vengeance!”: that’s the hope expressed by the Swiss bishops in reaction to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The Swiss Bishops’ Conference, “dismayed by the flaring up of the conflict” involving Israel and Lebanon, prays that “further blood may not be shed” and “urges a peaceful solution”. In a statement the bishops urge “governments, churches and all men of good will to offer their own contribution to reduce the divergences and tirelessly work for peace”. The Swiss bishops, says the statement, “share the concern of the Pope and exhort believers to pray for peace in the Middle East. The populations living in these lands have a right to a just and lasting peace”.
