Several groups of men and women of goodwill have been involved in this noble peace endeavour. They have made sincere effort to urge a political solution to the crisis, calling a halt to the armed conflict that raged.

Even though a permanent solution has not been forthcoming as up to this moment, there is now a glimmer of hope with the initiation of talks. At long last the peace effort that was initiated sometime back and is being presently vigorously pursued by the Government, with the participation of the LTTE, appears to signal a happy conclusion. While this is heart-warming and consoling, we have to remember that there is still a long way to go. Hence it is incumbent upon all of us to keep the process alive in our hearts and in our prayers.

Every effort succeeds to the extent that it receives the cooperation of all those concerned. This is more so, in a matter of national importance as ours. In this regard the cooperation of all the political parties is a first imperative. And the collaboration and cooperation of the two main political alliances is indeed indispensable. Therefore we re-iterate our plea to the leaders of the two major political alliances - the United National Front and the Peoples' Alliance to consider the peace effort as of utmost priority raising it above all political and personal considerations. The nation has bled and bled profusely for the past several decades. It is time to cry a halt to this and restore the damage all this has caused - economically, socially, culturally and above all ethically, destroying the very fabric of our civilization of which we have been so proud over the centuries.

The news reports reaching us daily through the media present to us the picture of a country where the law and order situation has virtually collapsed. The new trend of indiscipline, of a serious and criminal nature, in some schools and universities is still more alarming. Living has become a dangerous venture even for the peace-loving citizen. All this does not augur well for the future of the nation.

The primary remedy for all this is the immediate restoration of peace in the country so that the use of firearms and war will gradually and effectively give way to the restoration of the rule of law, and a culture of love and peace. We do not want war any more. And we pray for the fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Isaiah - "They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Is. 2:2)

The birth of Christ brought a new dimension to our frail human nature. The infusion of God's divinity into human life gave it a dignity beyond all telling. Thus we consider every human life as something sacred to be honoured and respected. Peace in the true sense of the Bible is achieved only when that dignity is upheld. It is for this reason that we advocate the safeguarding of human rights of all people irrespective of race, caste, creed or any other such distinction. We firmly believe that peace cannot be achieved without consideration for the human rights of all people. It is only in the framework of equality and fraternity that we could achieve lasting peace and build up a united, prosperous country.

We appeal to all our brothers and sisters of goodwill to promote the good of our nation at this very crucial period of time. We appeal to our own Christian community to make this Christmas an occasion to make special prayer and beg the Lord to grant us peace.

May Christ the Prince of Peace bless our peace effort and reward us with the gift of true peace and love. Wish you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Archbishop Oswald Gomis
President
Bishop Marius Peiris
Secretary General