Can War be Right?

Do you think war can ever be right?

When do you think it would be right for a country to go to war?
when another country has attacked them? when another country threatens to attack them? when a friendly country is attacked? to protect people somewhere else in the world? for another reason?

• Write out the reasons you agree with. Can you add any of your own?

• Design a poster with a set of rules: 'When it is right to go to war'

Rules of War

Do you think that there can be rules of war?

If so, what rules should there be? Do you agree with these rules? Can you add any?
do not torture anyone do not kill civilians only kill soldiers in fighting treat prisoners fairly don't use more force than is needed

• Design another list: The Rules of War.

A Just War

The Catholic Church has set conditions for what is called a 'Just War'. This means that if the conditions are met, the war may be justified. (This does not mean it is good - war is never good).

1. Lawful Authority. War must be waged by a proper power, such as a government (not just any group).
2. Serious Reason. The reason for the war must be serious.
3. Final Aim. The intention of the war must be to have a final and lasting peace.
4. Last Resort. War should always be a last resort, after everything else has failed.
5. Hope of Success. There must be a reasonable hope that the war will suceed.
6. Proportionate Methods. The methods of the war must not mean that the suffering caused or people killed is out of proportion to the original problem.

• Copy out these rules into your files.

• Do you agree with these rules? Say why.