THE Bolton and Rochdale district of the Methodist Church recognises the difficult and complex situation that Mr Blair faces with regard to the threat of Saddam Hussein's regime.

We are encouraged by the commitment in his TUC speech on September 10 to deal with the issue through the UN, and also by the recall of Parliament to discuss the present crisis. We support every effort to win unconditional compliance with UN Resolution 687 and see military force being used only as a last resort.

We expect that all political, diplomatic and moral pressure will be used to enable UN weapons inspectors back into Iraq and for the dismantling of all weapons of mass destruction. We take the view that any military action against Iraq should be authorised by a new resolution of the UN Security Council.

There is a great deal of concern at the tone of some political comment at this time. Living in an area where we have people of many differing religions and nationalities, there is growing anxiety among us at the prospect of any action taken against Iraq having consequences in other parts of the world.

Our Christian conviction cannot justify war in itself on moral grounds, and through Jesus Christ we commend a higher way with the principle of love. Our prayers will be for the peace of the world and a resolution of the present crisis, to the greater good of all humanity.

REV. KEITH V. GARNER,

chairman of district.