diff --git a/docs/holy-war.rst b/docs/holy-war.rst
index b25dda91d..b5b6e3735 100644
--- a/docs/holy-war.rst
+++ b/docs/holy-war.rst
@@ -9,7 +9,9 @@ This tool compares the spheres of influence represented by the gods of
 nearby civilizations with those worshipped by your civilization and
 represented in fortress temples. If no spheres overlap, or if the
 historical record shows a ``religious_persecution_grudge`` between the
-two peoples, the civilization is set to war.
+two peoples, the civilization is set to war. Both your stance toward
+the other civilization and their stance toward you are set to war,
+ensuring a mutual declaration.
 
 Usage
 -----
diff --git a/holy-war.lua b/holy-war.lua
index 83836f862..02ec8a31b 100644
--- a/holy-war.lua
+++ b/holy-war.lua
@@ -128,14 +128,21 @@ local function main(...)
 
     for _, civ in ipairs(df.global.world.entities.all) do
         if civ.type == 0 and civ.id ~= pciv.id then
-            local status
+            local p_status
             for _, state in ipairs(pciv.relations.diplomacy.state) do
                 if state.group_id == civ.id then
-                    status = state.relation
+                    p_status = state.relation
                     break
                 end
             end
-            if status == 0 or status == nil then -- peace or unknown
+            local c_status
+            for _, state in ipairs(civ.relations.diplomacy.state) do
+                if state.group_id == pciv.id then
+                    c_status = state.relation
+                    break
+                end
+            end
+            if p_status ~= 1 or c_status ~= 1 then -- not already mutually at war
                 local civ_spheres = get_civ_spheres(civ)
                 local civ_hfs = get_civ_hists(civ)
                 if not share(player_spheres, civ_spheres) or