THE Bishop of Burnley has issued a strong message condemning plans for a war against Iraq to topple Saddam Hussein.

The Rt Rev John Goddard said he was saddened at the prospect of war.

The bishop was writing in The See, the monthly magazine of the Blackburn Diocese, which covers the Burnley area.

In the article the bishop, who will lead an act of remembrance for the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks on America, condemned the "evil intention" of the terrorists who destroyed so many lives.

He added: "I fear that we have failed to ask ourselves why it is that the powerful, rich, Western nations are so distrusted and hated by the terrorists that they decided to act in such an appalling manner on that September day.

"If peoples are trapped in poverty and fell exploited by those with wealth and power, they will be open to manipulation and persuasion into violence by unscrupulous leaders.

"Whilst acknowledging that Al Quaeda, with its evil intentions, was responsible for the tragedy in New York, we also need to ask ourselves in America and Europe if our policies and lifestyles make it more likely for those nations to escape from poverty and so properly share in the world's resources and fullness of life."

The Bishop added: "My fear is that Iraq can be obliterated by those greatest of powers, but would such use of power be to the service of humanity? Surely not.

"Of course we have fears about Saddam Hussein, but can we justify a war against the Iraqi people to topple him? Surely not."