Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beirut (Fides Service) - Lebanon’s Christians are staging a new action of solidarity with Christians in Iraq. This evening the Christian community in Beirut will hold a torchlight procession as a demonstration of sympathy with Iraqi Christians threatened by Islamic fundamentalist violence. “To call attention to the tragic situation in Iraq, Christians will make a silent march through the streets of Beirut ” local sources in the Lebanese capital told Fides.
A few days ago the World Maronite Union issued a statement of solidarity with Iraqi Christians (see Fides 18 October 2004). Speaking on behalf of Maronites in Lebanon, Middle East, America and Europe, condemning “acts of aggression against Iraqi Christians”, the Union stated “what the terrorists want is to empty Iraq of Christians and eliminate the plan to build a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country”.
Maronites also voice concern for attacks on Christians in many parts of the Middle East. They say they are close to their brothers and sisters in Iraq and call for their protection and an international awareness campaign to promote support for their cause. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 21/10/2004 righe 18 parole 199)
