As news that military action had started in Iraq was announced, The Rt Rev'd Jonathan Bailey, Bishop of Derby, issued the following statement:-

"We have prayed for peace, and now we must pray all the more for God's gift of peace to overcome humanity's way-ward aggression. Reasons for and against invasion of Iraq have filled the media for the best part of a year. We each have our own views, but now is the time to unite in prayer for the UN, world leaders, our armed forces with their families and for the oppressed people of Iraq.

"In our multi-ethnic and multi-faith towns and cities we are all too aware of threats to the harmony we normally enjoy. A pre-emptive strike against a tyrant can so easily be confused as 'West' taking sides against 'East'. If that mistake goes unchecked minorities are at risk. Here in Derby, faith leaders and representatives are united in our determination to support one another and to work for community harmony. We ask that all people of goodwill will follow up ways to foster continuing racial harmony.

"Do pray for peace...peace with justice for the people of Iraq and all their neighbours throughout the Middle East."