The statement further focused on the Christian communities living in the region. Regarding specifically Iraq, the Chaldean bishops decried the “agony” of Christians, “rooted in this land“, who, they said, “have suffered greatly in the last two decades” from deprivation of their rights, marginalization, exclusion and illegal seizure of their properties and goods.
They recalled that this situation and ongoing abuses have forced many of them to emigrate in search of a better life.
The bishops therefore called on the Iraqi government “to be fair in treasuring Christians” through “building confidence, enhancing national cooperation, and benefiting from their skills in developing the country.”
Equal rights for all citizens in Iraq
Again, the Synod called on Iraqi authorities to ensure Christians enjoy the same political and civil rights as all Iraqi citizens: “We demand that their rights be fully respected as citizens with equal representation and employment, and we refuse the seizure of their properties” by some groups that claim their exclusive rights, the statement said.
The Chaldean bishops took the opportunity to express their gratitude to Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani for his recent “courageous” decree that restored the government’s recognition of Cardinal Sako as head Chaldean Catholic Church with responsibility for its endowments. The Patriarch had refused to return to Baghdad for almost a year since President Abdul Latif Rashid revoked Decree 147 which recognized this status.
Priority to Iraqi people, not sectarian interests
The Synod expressed its hope that the government, along with official and political parties, would take “concrete steps in building peace and stability by implementing law and justice; restoring national unity; strengthening the concept of citizenship; and providing adequate public services to ensure a decent life for all citizens”, also “by giving priority to Iraqi people interests rather than that of any ‘limited’ sectarian interests”
Regarding the future of Christians in the region, the Chaldean bishops echoed Patriarch Sako’s appeal for unity and solidarity among themselves: “The main thing that should unite us is our faith and our land “, they said.
Christian unity and solidarity in the Middle East
Expressing their “fraternal sympathy to the bishops of neighbouring countries”, the bishops remarked “that the Church needs a new vision of the future” as well as “courageous practical steps, to stabilize Christians in their land, preserving their identity, also to enhance their role and presence”, in society.
“Unity is our strength and salvation,” they remarked. “Despite the wounds, we continue to love our countries and our citizens, and we would like to cooperate with them in spreading a culture of coexistence, respecting the differences of others, and consolidating hope, within a fair and civil society”, the statement concluded.
By Lisa Zengarini | Vaticannews
