Bishops of the Caribbean Gravely Concerned Over U.S. Military Build-up While Pleading for Peace and Call for Prayer

Catholic bishops in the Caribbean are gravely concerned over the recent
build-up of the U.S. naval and military in the Southern Caribbean.
Tensions compound a number of ongoing crises in several Caribbean nations, several of which are now also dealing with extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa. As of Nov. 12, at least 75 have been killed in U.S. strikes taking place in both the Caribbean and the Pacific, with six killed in the latter Nov. 9, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
In an Oct. 25 press release, the 18 bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference — representing 19 dioceses and two independent missions, over 13 independent countries, 12 territories between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and three overseas departments of France wrote:

From the Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC)

To the People of God in the Caribbean

The Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference view with grave concern the recent

build-up of naval and other military assets in the Southern Caribbean, and the potential

implications this poses for the socio-economic, political, and humanitarian well-being of

our region and its people.

In a few weeks, the world will commemorate the 59th World Day of Peace. As we reflect

on the words of Pope Paul VI, who in 1966, at the institution of this observance, urged

humanity to pursue negotiation rather than war, we recognise that once again we stand at a crossroads. Dialogue and cooperation are urgently needed to ease mounting geopolitical

tensions and to foster lasting peace.

At the same time, we must speak clearly to the moral challenges facing our region. The narcotics trade continues to devastate Caribbean societies — eroding lives, futures, and

the very moral fabric of our communities. This is a grave crisis for the Church and for

families everywhere, and one we are duty-bound to confront. Yet, the arbitrary and

unwarranted taking of life cannot be justified as a means of resolution. Such acts violate

the sacredness of human life.

Likewise, the disregard for the sovereignty of independent nations cannot be accepted as

a reasonable measure in the name of border security. War or the threat of war is never the

right solution. To quote Pope Leo at a recent General Audience, “We must never become

accustomed to war”. His appeal echoes that of Pope Saint John XXIII, who proclaimed

that “true peace can be born only from a heart disarmed of anxiety and the fear of war.”

The presence of warships and the disruption of marine livelihoods within our Caribbean

waters represent real and immediate threats to regional stability and to the welfare of our

nations. As peoples united by a shared heritage and collective identity, we must continue

to reject aggression and intimidation as means of resolving conflict or ideological

differences. Our history has shown that discourse and negotiation have served us well as

independent nations united in community and cooperation.

We are attentive to the voices and expressed concerns of our people and urge that we be

guided by the teachings of Scripture. We are commanded to love one another — even our

enemies. The world may be at war, but we are called to pray for peace and to act in peace.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, as the Church continues the ancient tradition of pardon and

restoration, we reaffirm our common goal and shared brotherhood that transcend borders

and national interests.

The Church remains steadfast in the need to protect all in society - especially those who

are most vulnerable and economically marginalised. The objectives of securing our

borders and the elimination of the narcotics trade must be pursued with the respect for

law, the dignity of human life and with a tacit understanding of our region’s deep

commitment to peace.

To those entrusted with leadership, we appeal for a de-escalation of militarisation and a

renewed commitment to dialogue and regional unity. To the faithful, we call for renewed

focus on faith and trust in the Lord, resisting the discouragement and cynicism that

threaten to overwhelm us. Acts of reconciliation, the faithful observance of the

sacraments, and the family rosary remain powerful expressions of hope — expressions

that move heaven and can change the hearts of humankind.

We stand in solidarity with all the peoples of the Caribbean, especially those most

directly affected by this situation. Together, we place our hope, trust, and prayers in the

pursuit of a peaceful and just resolution that upholds human dignity, national sovereignty,

and the common good of all.

Source: https://aecbishops.org/press-release-the-bishops-of-the-aec-express-deep-concern-over-the-military-build-up-in-the-southern-caribbean/