The U.S. bishops will meet with 14 Catholic Democrats from the House of Representatives to discuss a "reasonable transition" to end the war in Iraq.  A similar meeting has been requested with Republican members of the House.  In addition, the bishops reiterate their call to break the political stalemate in Washington and pursue a bipartisan policy to end the war as soon as possible.

"The current situation in Iraq is unacceptable and unsustainable, as is the policy and political stalemate among decision makers in Washington," says Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, chairman of bishops' committee on International Policy. He made the comments in a letter responding to a request for a meeting on Iraq from Rep. Tim Ryan (D/Ohio) and 13 other House Democrats.  The comments were also contained in a letter the bishop sent to Rep. John Boehner (R/Ohio), House minority leader, requesting a meeting with Republicans.

• Bishops Seek To Meet With Both Parties On Iraq War, USCCB