IT seems almost certain that war will break out within the next couple of weeks. Only a miracle can stop it now.

Following a recent ecumenical meeting we, as church leaders of the Baptist, Church of England, Methodist, Roman Catholic and United Reform churches in Radcliffe and the Church of England in Ainsworth, would like to express our unease.

We understand that many British Muslims have little enthusiasm for Saddam Hussein, a view we would share, but are hostile to the prospect of military action. We understand this fear.

In a conflict of this kind the prophetic and pastoral calling of the Church may come into conflict. With regard to the prophetic role, there are deep concerns about whether this war is just. We also have a pastoral responsibility, and concern, for the people of the Christian communities we represent.

It is very likely that members of the Radcliffe community have relatives and friends in the armed forces now poised for action in the desert. We have heard of a few who find their duty to country to be in conflict with their beliefs and are finding it difficult being there.

War brings fatalities, and it is possible that we may experience bereavements within our local communities as a result of armed conflict. We want to assure those in our local community that our commitment to serving you in such a need will not be affected by any views we may hold about this campaign. Our sense of pain at any such loss may, in fact, be heightened through our belief that injury or death has come about in a war that a number in this country feel should not be taking place.

We can, and must, pray for peace, and for those whose lives are at risk in this conflict. Each of our churches will have their own programmes of prayer for peace in Iraq and the Middle East. At the start of the Christian season of Lent, a heightened opportunity for prayer and fasting, we wish Islamic brothers and sisters well in their New Year, which has begun at the same time as Lent.

CHURCHES TOGETHER,

Radcliffe.