BOB ABERNETHY: As Congress and the White House try to find a way to reduce violence in Iraq enough so U.S. troops can come home, we talk today with the rector of the 1,300-member Anglican church in Baghdad, Canon Andrew White. He's the president of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, and he stays on in Baghdad despite bombings, kidnappings, death threats and his own struggle with multiple sclerosis. His latest book is IRAQ: SEARCHING FOR HOPE. Canon White, welcome.

Canon ANDREW WHITE (President and CEO, Foundation for Reconciliation in the Middle East and Vicar of St. George's Anglican Church, Baghdad): Very good to be with you.

ABERNETHY: Before I ask you about the situation generally, just tell me a little bit about what it's like in your church.

Canon WHITE: The church is clearly the most wonderful church I've ever been part of, and everything might be terrible outside, but inside the worship is incredible. The children are amazing. And we've had 11 of our staff killed in the past year. Our lay pastor was kidnapped last week, so everything is terrible outside, but inside -- just great.

ABERNETHY: And what's the most important thing that needs to be done now to reduce the violence in the country?

Canon WHITE: One of the most significant things that we have got to do is engage with the religious and tribal leaders. We realize that much of the violence and insurgency has religious and tribal background, in fact is instigated by them. And so we're working very hard in engagement with the religious and tribal leaders, working closely with the Pentagon, with the Tanenbaum Center in New York, trying to find ways in which we can move forward on the Sunni/Shia engagement.

ABERNETHY: And when do you think American troops can come home?

Canon WHITE: If American troops were to leave now, sadly we would see an escalation of violence. We have got to see that we were part of its instigation and by overcoming the evil regime of Saddam Hussein. So we've got to be patient. We have to be willing to endure further tragedy, and the only way forward is when we see peace returning to Iraq.

ABERNETHY: Let me ask you about the Iraqi government. Is it effective in what it's trying to do?