Fighting to survive as a church
On August 23rd, the patriarchs of the four ancient churches of Northern Iraq gathered for a unique and historic joint service in a church in Dahuk, the major town in the area of Kurdistan to which most of the estimated 670,000 newly displaced have fled, including thousands of Christians. In a rare demonstration of unity, the four patriarchs fielded questions from the audience: five displaced Christians had been selected to address the church leadership, and they used the occasion to vent their anger, frustration and despair, but also to call for concrete solutions to their dilemma of now living away from their ancient homeland, seemingly without any hope of ever returning.
In a unique display of resolve, but also despair, the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, Aphrem the Second, called on the Christians to defend themselves once Islamic State is defeated and the Christians are allowed to return to their ancient homeland on the Nineveh Plain.
The pain and agony was felt in every word that evening!
Kim Hartzner, MD, Managing Director
Read MoreIn a unique display of resolve, but also despair, the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, Aphrem the Second, called on the Christians to defend themselves once Islamic State is defeated and the Christians are allowed to return to their ancient homeland on the Nineveh Plain.
The pain and agony was felt in every word that evening!
Kim Hartzner, MD, Managing Director
…….The people want you to promise us, that we can return safely to our homes. And if the church can’t do that I am sorry to say that the church has failed in its job.
The leaders of the church do not make us, the lay people, participate in their decisions. You should give us the possibility for us to participate in these things.
We did not receive any answer to our questions, neither from the government in Bagdad nor from the government in Kurdistan.
For eleven years until now we live in a horrible situation. This should be addressed to all the governments. These people suffer from a miserable situation. You are responsible for this, because you are the leader of the church.”
CLAPPING
