More than 80 Catholic theologians, university educators and other people of faith have called on Catholic bishops in the United States to speak out more strongly against the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. The appeal was reported by OSV News on 11 November, shortly before the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops was scheduled to hold its annual fall plenary assembly. The signatories argued that Church leaders have an important moral responsibility to promote peace, oppose further military escalation and provide a clear Christian witness against violence.
The initiative was spearheaded by Kevin Ahern, a professor of religious studies at Manhattan University, and Eli McCarthy, an adjunct lecturer in theology and religious studies at Georgetown University. In an open letter dated 9 November, the group urged the bishops to demonstrate greater clarity, urgency and unity in their opposition to the conflict. The letter included 83 signatories, comprising US-based and international scholars and people of faith. They expressed concern about the humanitarian consequences of the war and the possibility of further escalation across the Middle East.
Among their recommendations, the theologians called on the bishops to encourage political leaders to prioritise diplomacy, humanitarian assistance and peaceful solutions. They also urged Church leaders to oppose renewed military operations against Iran, promote nuclear disarmament and support efforts aimed at reconciliation. The appeal reflects a wider Christian discussion about the responsibility of religious institutions to speak against war and defend human dignity. It also places the principles of nonviolence and peacemaking at the centre of the Church’s response to international conflict.
