In a press release, the Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM), an LGBT Catholic organization, joined a growing number of individuals and groups in asking President Bush to remove American military troops from Iraq.
RSM declared that ‘the Bush administration should publicly state a clear and measurable plan for the timely, responsible and sustainable withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces from Iraq.’ In calling for such a strategy, RSM cited ‘ [t] he mounting deaths and casualties of U.S. and coalition service men and women, Iraqis, [as well as] U.S. and international civilians.’
RSM added that, based on the concepts of peace and faith, the best course of action for the organization ‘to serve both God and country is to proclaim … opposition to this administration’s war and publicly encourage [Bush] and all people of faith and conscience to do the same.’ The group also criticized Bush for not heeding the late Pope John Paul II’s warnings about the war in Iraq.
In addition, the organization endorsed the anti-war March on Washington on Sept. 24-26 and urged all LGBT Catholics to support it. See unitedforpeace.org.