Oct18-2004
“We are close to you and we pray for you and we will help you” Maronites assure Iraq’s Christians
ASIA/IRAQ - Maronite Church voices solidarity with Iraqi Christians “there must be an international awareness campaign to protect Iraqi Christians” and voices concern for attack on Christians all over the Middle East
Baghdad (Fides Service) - “We are close to you and we pray for you and we will help you” Maronite Christians assure Iraq’s Christians following attacks on five churches in Baghdad.
In a statement issued on behalf of all Maronites in Lebanon, Middle East, America and Europe, the World Maronite Union condemned “attacks on Christians in Iraq”, and warned “these terrorists want to empty Iraq of Christians and cancel its age old tradition as 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.
The World Maronite Union intends to call a special meeting in Washington inviting also representatives of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq, leaders of other Christian Churches as well as civil and political authorities to discuss at the international level the urgent need to provide protection for the Christian minority in Iraq.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/10/2004 lines 23 words 227)