Church Leaders "We call on all people of conscience to demand a complete cessation of military operations..." and they Cancel Christmas Festivities to Pray for Peace
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At the invitation of the Chaldean Patriarch, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, some heads of churches in Iraq held an extraordinary meeting, on Tuesday morning, November 28, 2023, in the Priestly Monastery in Ankawa - Erbil. At the beginning of the meeting, the participants observed a minute of silence to pray for the comfort of the souls of the victims of the Qaraqosh Holocaust and the bloody war between Israel and Palestine.
The war taking place in the Holy Land
We strongly condemn the devastating war taking place in the Holy Land, which has reached the point of committing massacres against humanity in violation of international and humanitarian law. We hope that the arena of conflicts will not expand to include our countries . We call on all people of conscience to demand a complete cessation of military operations, and to work to achieve a two-state solution, which is a national, humanitarian, Arab and international necessity. Ending this historical conflict will prevent the fueling of hatred and hatred among the peoples of the region.
The attendees discussed the prepared program, and in conclusion they issued the following statement:
Christians are not a minority in their homeland, nor a community or imported goods. Their roots are deep in Iraq before and after Christianity. Their presence has not ceased. Christians, before and after the advent of Islam, had a role rooted in the history of Iraq, Mesopotamia, the land of the “beginnings” and the first civilizations. They form an essential part of his cultural, social and national heritage. Christians, by their nature and belief, are peaceful. They are not inclined to violence and revenge, but rather to love and mercy. However, despite this, they have been subjected to pressure, attacks, and attempts to seize their homes and property in devious ways, which prompted those who have the means to emigrate in order to preserve their lives and the future of their children.
All we fear now is that the state will continue not to take serious action to preserve the rights of Christians, provide them with justice, and return their usurped property. We have asked more than once to hand over the security file in these towns to the federal police, but no one responds to our request .
From this platform, we call on Christians to adhere to their identity and perform their national role, by engaging in the political process and state institutions with all professionalism and sincerity in the service of their country, relying thus on a deeper understanding of the message of Christ, the message of brotherhood, love, and harmonious coexistence, and commitment to it in word and deed, which enables them to continue Their relationship with their homeland and citizens, and enhancing harmony, cooperation and cooperation in building a state of citizenship, a prosperous state, a state that promotes the concept of one family, Christians, Muslims and others .
For our part, we, beloved shepherds of the Church, are determined to continue our spiritual, moral, and national mission. We express to you our standing by your side, serving you, and defending your rights and dignity .
We ask God to grant Iraqi officials the blessing of wisdom and courage to fight corruption, end sectarian quotas, confine weapons to the legitimate, constitutional forces, fortify the army and police, and strengthen state institutions for the sake of the country’s stability and progress, preserve the rights of citizens, and ensure their lives in freedom, prosperity, and dignity .
Canceling Christmas and New Year celebrations
We announce that celebrations will be limited to prayers and church rituals, out of respect for the victims of Qaraqosh and the Holy Land. Therefore, we will be unable to accept congratulations and receive officials in churches .
In conclusion, the attendees thanked God who accompanied them in their meeting, praying to Him to extend His peace to Iraq and the region .
O Lord of peace, grant our country peace.
We strongly condemn the devastating war taking place in the Holy Land, which has reached the point of committing massacres against humanity in violation of international and humanitarian law. We hope that the arena of conflicts will not expand to include our countries . We call on all people of conscience to demand a complete cessation of military operations, and to work to achieve a two-state solution, which is a national, humanitarian, Arab and international necessity. Ending this historical conflict will prevent the fueling of hatred and hatred among the peoples of the region.
The attendees discussed the prepared program, and in conclusion they issued the following statement:
Christians are not a minority in their homeland, nor a community or imported goods. Their roots are deep in Iraq before and after Christianity. Their presence has not ceased. Christians, before and after the advent of Islam, had a role rooted in the history of Iraq, Mesopotamia, the land of the “beginnings” and the first civilizations. They form an essential part of his cultural, social and national heritage. Christians, by their nature and belief, are peaceful. They are not inclined to violence and revenge, but rather to love and mercy. However, despite this, they have been subjected to pressure, attacks, and attempts to seize their homes and property in devious ways, which prompted those who have the means to emigrate in order to preserve their lives and the future of their children.
All we fear now is that the state will continue not to take serious action to preserve the rights of Christians, provide them with justice, and return their usurped property. We have asked more than once to hand over the security file in these towns to the federal police, but no one responds to our request .
From this platform, we call on Christians to adhere to their identity and perform their national role, by engaging in the political process and state institutions with all professionalism and sincerity in the service of their country, relying thus on a deeper understanding of the message of Christ, the message of brotherhood, love, and harmonious coexistence, and commitment to it in word and deed, which enables them to continue Their relationship with their homeland and citizens, and enhancing harmony, cooperation and cooperation in building a state of citizenship, a prosperous state, a state that promotes the concept of one family, Christians, Muslims and others .
For our part, we, beloved shepherds of the Church, are determined to continue our spiritual, moral, and national mission. We express to you our standing by your side, serving you, and defending your rights and dignity .
We ask God to grant Iraqi officials the blessing of wisdom and courage to fight corruption, end sectarian quotas, confine weapons to the legitimate, constitutional forces, fortify the army and police, and strengthen state institutions for the sake of the country’s stability and progress, preserve the rights of citizens, and ensure their lives in freedom, prosperity, and dignity .
Canceling Christmas and New Year celebrations
We announce that celebrations will be limited to prayers and church rituals, out of respect for the victims of Qaraqosh and the Holy Land. Therefore, we will be unable to accept congratulations and receive officials in churches .
In conclusion, the attendees thanked God who accompanied them in their meeting, praying to Him to extend His peace to Iraq and the region .
O Lord of peace, grant our country peace.
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