ASIA/IRAQ - “Iraq’s ancient Christian civilisation is in danger! Centuries of history, culture and peaceful coexistence were destroyed in a few second by ignorant fanatics”: Chaldean monk in Iraq launches appeal to Fides

Mosul (Fides Service) - “It only takes a few seconds, a bomb and a criminal act on the part of ignorant fanatics to destroy centuries of history, culture and peaceful coexistence in Iraq. The situation is unbearable. Iraq’s ancient Christian civilisation is in danger!” This dramatic message comes from a Chaldean monk in northern Iraq who lived for some time in Mosul.
The monk, who asked not to be named for security reasons, expresses the grief of the community after recent attacks on the residence of the Chaldean and Amenian Bishops in Mosul: “We are deeply distressed. Christians are afraid and continue to leave the country. There is no security for our lives. We are certain that these attacks were not the work of Muslims in Mosul who have lived peacefully side by side with Christians for centuries. In fact many came to voice their sympathy and solidarity. Yesterday in Mosul the Christian community staged a street protest against the attacks and many Muslims joined in the protest showing their esteem and friendship for Christians. One of Iraq’s television channels showed a documentary film on the history of the Christian community in Mosul to emphasise that Christians are an important part of Iraqi society and their presence is centuries old, older even than that of Muslims”.
The monk adds: “This is why we are sure that those responsible are ignorant fanatics who know nothing of history. We have no idea where they come from, but they are certainly not local men. Some say they are terrorists escaped from Falluja. Some local sources say the attacks are retaliation for attacks by US troops on mosques. We are helpless. All we can do is to pray and hope that the elections in January will bring stability to our country”.
Over recent months many times Fides has reported growing Islamic extremism in Iraq, particularly in the area of Mosul, documented with testimony from Christian clergy, religious and lay persons (see Agenzia Fides 16/10/2004)
In December 2003 terrorist groups intensified pressure on the Christian community in Mosul. A year ago an armed gang broke into the see of the Chaldean Patriarch at night, an episode which came after a long series of threats and acts of intimidation. Letters were sent to the Patriarchate threatening to kill Christians unless they converted to Islam. Christian religious leaders appealed to the people of Mosul to isolate extremists from the rest of the population.
Mosul, situated 370 km a north of the capital, Baghdad, has a population of over 1 million. At the moment city is patrolled by 1,200 American soldiers and 1,600 members of the Iraqi security forces. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2004 righe 27 parole 267)