“We condemn the conflicts and the acts of violence against Christian communities in Iraq, especially those which have been recently perpetrated against the faithful in Mosul. As Christians, we have to continue to do good and to be ‘good Samaritans’ to all, without distinction of religion or ethnic group”. So spoke Mgr Avak Asadourian, Archbishop of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Iraq and Secretary General of the Council of Christian Church Leaders in Baghdad. Interviewed by Fides news agency, the archbishop called for “a vast mobilisation of Churches at international level to preserve the Christian presence in Iraq”. “In this time of suffering – said the bishop – we urge the government to assume full responsibility, to work for public safety and to maintain peace for all Iraqi citizens. We call on all the churches across the world and on all men and women of good will to speak up and make use of all peaceful and diplomatic means to help us”. “Christians in the Middle East – he recalled – have made a significant contribution to the culture and progress of this land, where they have been living for centuries. We consider our commitment to society as an expression of charity, of Christian witness, of human passion. Our disappearance from the Middle East region would be a great loss for everyone”.

© SIR - 23 february 2010