The Church in Wales is calling for concerted diplomatic action rather than an escalation of violence in response to the suspected chemical attack in Syria.

The emergency motion passed at the meeting of its Governing Body is as follows:

That the Governing Body:

• Note with alarm the return to the international agenda of the possibility of heavy bombardment and violent intervention in the situation in Syria;
• While condemning the use of chemical weapons, is mindful of the complexities of the situation which rule out simplistic answers;
• Call upon the UK Government to prioritise concerted diplomatic action to secure more peaceful and consensual international responses rather than an escalation of violence.

The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, who brought the motion, said, “I am delighted that Governing Body is able to add its voice to this important issue to call for peace and justice in the Middle East. The situation is deeply complex but a rush to flex military muscles is not, in my opinion, a wise reaction. We are asking all Christians and people of faith to hold Syria in their prayers at this tense time.”