ASIA/IRAQ - Pax Christi appeal for the tragedy of Iraqi Christians: “Enough with war, let us work together for peace ”

Monday, 30 April 2007

Baghdad (Fides Service) - Pax Christi, a Catholic Church movement which promotes dialogue between religions, respect for human dignity and human rights, has called for international mobilisation and concrete interventions in favour of Iraqi Christians living in desperate conditions “subject to violence, blackmail, threats and killing”, in Baghdad, Mosul, Kirkuk and other towns.
Pax Christi delegations travel regularly to Iraq. On the last visit they had a meeting with Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk, deeply committed to promoting dialogue between religions who said the “tragic and unbearable situation of Christians in Baghdad was spreading to the rest of the country ”.
Pax Christ said in a statement: “In this tragedy thousands are desperate, how many are homeless! The United Nations has said the exodus of Iraqi refugees is the most serious in the Middle East since that of the Palestinians in 1948. We cannot be silent!”
Iraqi Christians “have always defended the integrity of the country courageously together with the Muslim brothers and sisters. They lived in reciprocal respect side by side with Shiite and Sunni Muslims sharing good days and bad for 14 centuries. They wish to continue to live in charity and respect for human rights. We ask for all Iraqis the right and freedom to live and profess their faith ”.
Pax Christi recalls that “Iraq is the homeland of Abraham, our common father in the faith: both religions, Christianity and Island are for peace. Violence and threats against another religion are a violation of human freedom and human dignity and does not render authentic witness of faith. Religion can never lead to violence! Religion is for life not death, for peace not war”.
Pax Christ says: “Many Iraqi Christians say they feel they are forgotten! We appeal to all believers, to religious authorities Europe and in Iraq, Christians and Muslims, political leaders, the international community: stop all violence, start dialogue, listening, meeting, solidarity, reject hatred and revenge and this will lead to peace”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/4/2007 righe 27 parole 274)


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