Recent diplomatic overtures by the United States that would increase the flow of humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people are welcome indeed. I have been deeply pained to see the suffering and death among the innocent of Iraq since the implementation of sanctions seven years ago. I have repeatedly called for the provision of humanitarian aid. It was an enormous relief to see an agreement last year which now allows the sale of a limited amount of Iraqi oil for humanitarian purposes. Any willingness by the United States to increase such aid is to be encouraged. But the current proposal probably does not go far enough.

According to UNICEF statistics, over 100 Iraqi children die every day as a direct result of the sanctions. This is abhorrent. Medicines and supplies are still not being allowed into the country under a rule that says nothing can get in that might also be used by the military. I appeal to both my own government and that of Saddam Hussein to reach an agreement that puts the interests of the Iraqi people above politics and limits sanctions to the Iraqi military establishment.

I support efforts to remove chemical, biological and other weapons from the control of Saddam Hussein and his suffocating regime. But the welfare of an entire population of people should not be held hostage to the iron will of the United States and Iraqi governments. Further, I prevail upon the two governments to find a diplomatic resolution to the present stand off.

As Christians begin to move towards the season of the coming of the Prince of Peace, I call upon Episcopalians to urge President Clinton to address the humanitarian needs of innocent Iraqi people, especially the children. And I urge them to send a special gift to the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief to provide desperately needed supplies. As a people of faith and a country committed to human rights, we cannot allow the suffering to continue.