A resort to war on Iraq would be a defeat for humanitarian principles, Catholic bishops said in a statement this evening.
The Irish Bishops' Conference said war was not the very last option and if it was to occur "we would all be greatly diminished by it."
They said they were heartened by the position taken recently by the Government in upholding the role of the UN and the primacy of international law but reminded that the UN Charter required all states to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political integrity of any state.
"As the UN Security Council prepares to meet yet again to consider a further resolution on Iraq, it is essential that our attitude in Ireland to this debate is based on sound moral and humanitarian principles," the bishops said after their spring meeting.
"There is a danger now that this key requirement of international peace and security will be put aside as the option of a pre-emptive war is being actively considered.
"We urge the Irish Government to reject such a course of action and to continue to work diplomatically for a just solution based on law and on humanitarian principles."
In appealing to world leaders to take all possible steps to actively promote a political solution to the crisis, the bishops appealed to the Iraqi leadership to "cease its repression of the Iraqi people" and to cooperate fully with UN arms inspectors.
"We are particularly concerned about the humanitarian disaster that will befall Iraq in the event of war."
The statement did not refer to the controversial issue of the military use of Shannon Airport but urged the Government to reject military action and to work diplomatically to avert an attack.
With St Patrick's Day approaches, the Bishop's concluded their statement with a Biblical quote, from the Gospel according to Matthew: "Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God."