Following the tragic events of last September 11, the National Board of the Canadian, Religious Conference representing 28,000 Roman Catholic men and women Religious offers you their most sincere condolences. Many of the religious congregations ministering in Canada have members worldwide, including in the United States of America.

It is with profound sadness that our members share in the bereavement of so many persons, families, and religious and civil communities. They strongly condemn the acts of terrorism that destroy a country's heritage and kill human beings, anywhere in the world. With faith in God, the Creator of all life, they call for the respect of this life.

Knowing the risks that vengeance and violence beget, the Religious of Canada reject all war. They pray that God will instill a strong desire for peace in the heart of people of every nation. They also ask God to awaken compassion in those who, while seeking solutions to combat terrorism, must also forgive in order to stop the escalation of violence that would only lead to the suffering and death of more innocent victims.

The Religious of Canada offer you their support in the search for solutions to terrorism. They believe in cooperation with the investigations that would lead to the elimination of terrorist cells and networks, and their financial resources. Such action should promote the implementation of the Charter of Rights and the respect of international law.

As you have asked, Mr. President, the Religious of Canada are gathered in prayer. They ask God to help you make enlightened decisions. They pray to God that, through you and those bereaved by the events of September 121, the compassion and mercy of God toward all men, women and children of the world, will be revealed.

Respectfully,