ALDERSHOT, England, APRIL 3, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Catholic bishop of the British armed forces is appealing to Iran's leader for the release of 15 British sailors and marines, seized on March 23.
Bishop Tom Burns sent an appeal today to Iran's chief of state, Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei, requesting their release.
"All of us appreciate the Iranian government's resolve that they should be well treated and properly looked after," the prelate said. "This attitude is therefore the correct response that would be expected of any internationally reputable nation.
"This approach is also in accordance with both the Islamic and the Christian faith. For there is the chance to express a unity of purpose on both sides, whereby everyone seeks justice and forgiveness where that is appropriate."
Bishop Burns said that the Iranian leader is in a position to "gain the world's respect for its Islamic laws and values."
"As one religious leader to another," he appealed, "I therefore ask him to show generosity by allowing one navy to return the sailors and marines of another to their mother-ship."
Bishop Burns continued: "Britain will then be free to state that every care will be taken to avoid a similar situation in the future. Iran must know that such assurances will be readily given.
"This way ahead could allow both nations to break the impasse that currently exists between them."
Code: ZE07040312
Date: 2007-04-03