Source: Zenit
Displaced Iraqi Christians are doing what they can to hold on to their identity, and the Chaldean Church is a big help, says the bishop of Aleppo, in northern Syria. But, he says, more help is needed. Jesuit Bishop Antoine Audo of Aleppo, a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, is visiting London to appeal for assistance to Iraqi Christian refugees now living in Syria. His visit is sponsored by Iraqi Christians in Need, an aid organization established earlier this year to provide Christians with basic resources. Some 44% of asylum seekers in Syria are Christian, reported the United Nations' refugee agency, which has been registering refugees since 2003. Bishop Audo, of Syria's Chaldean Catholic community, spoke with ZENIT about the Christian refugees' situation. "In Syria, we have a big number of Iraqis of all denominations. There are around 1.2 million Iraqis in Syria, with 60,000 Christians, mostly Chaldeans. Though these people have lost everything, they have the Church and something of their identity as Chaldeans," Bishop Audo explained. "Celebrating the liturgy in the Chaldean language expresses their identity. The Church has an important role to play especially to help the families and to provide a sense of dignity."
Displaced Iraqi Christians are doing what they can to hold on to their identity, and the Chaldean Church is a big help, says the bishop of Aleppo, in northern Syria. But, he says, more help is needed. Jesuit Bishop Antoine Audo of Aleppo, a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, is visiting London to appeal for assistance to Iraqi Christian refugees now living in Syria. His visit is sponsored by Iraqi Christians in Need, an aid organization established earlier this year to provide Christians with basic resources. Some 44% of asylum seekers in Syria are Christian, reported the United Nations' refugee agency, which has been registering refugees since 2003. Bishop Audo, of Syria's Chaldean Catholic community, spoke with ZENIT about the Christian refugees' situation. "In Syria, we have a big number of Iraqis of all denominations. There are around 1.2 million Iraqis in Syria, with 60,000 Christians, mostly Chaldeans. Though these people have lost everything, they have the Church and something of their identity as Chaldeans," Bishop Audo explained. "Celebrating the liturgy in the Chaldean language expresses their identity. The Church has an important role to play especially to help the families and to provide a sense of dignity."
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Violent motivation
Bishop Audo, outlining three reasons why Christians are targeted, said: "First, they are a weak group, without much self-defense. They are easily attacked for money. There is a new economy in Iraq, and attacking Christians is a new way to get money." This can be seen with all the kidnappings in the country, the bishop explained. The abductions happen "not only to Christians, but to rich people from the Muslim populations. But if one can get more money for a priest or bishop, then they will do it," said the 61-year-old prelate. "Second," Bishop Audo continued, "the aggressors identify Christians with the Americans; the Americans are occupying the country, so to express their hate and opposition, they attack Christians." "Third," he said, "there is historical aggression against Christians. In this, some fanatics act aggressively against Christians" while using the other reasons as an excuse.
Further assistance
What we need in Syria, Bishop Audo said, is "more professionalism in helping. Caritas is doing a lot in organizing the help, but people are suffering. We need professionals who can listen, to give counseling."
"Second, we need a solution of peace, and stability," said the Syrian prelate. We trust "the Holy Father to do what he can to establish peace, to establish confidence between the counties, the Jews and the Arabs. The Muslims and Christians must prepare the future." Asked about this week's meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, Bishop Audo said: "I cannot give an analysis because it is not my area of expertise, but my feeling is that everyone is moving to do something, from what I am seeing." In France, there was a conference with three bishops from Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and priests from Turkey to discuss the situation of Iraqi refugees. I am doing the same here in London. "A month ago I was invited by the mufti of Syria to go with him on an official visit to Germany to express our way of living between Muslims and Christians, to give a message of dialogue." "We need something to avoid violence and terror," and people are looking to find ways to peace, Bishop Audo explained. Something newBishop Audo did report that "we are seeing something new in parts of Iraq.""There are now some safe areas," he said. "This is a new phenomenon and the Iraqi government is helping the refugees return to their homes. They are organizing bus trips back to Iraq in front of the embassy in Damascus to help people. And $800 is offered to each family to encourage them to return."As for the Christian populations, Bishop Audo concluded, "Generally, the Christians are still waiting; this a new thing. They want to be sure that it is safe."
"Second, we need a solution of peace, and stability," said the Syrian prelate. We trust "the Holy Father to do what he can to establish peace, to establish confidence between the counties, the Jews and the Arabs. The Muslims and Christians must prepare the future." Asked about this week's meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, Bishop Audo said: "I cannot give an analysis because it is not my area of expertise, but my feeling is that everyone is moving to do something, from what I am seeing." In France, there was a conference with three bishops from Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and priests from Turkey to discuss the situation of Iraqi refugees. I am doing the same here in London. "A month ago I was invited by the mufti of Syria to go with him on an official visit to Germany to express our way of living between Muslims and Christians, to give a message of dialogue." "We need something to avoid violence and terror," and people are looking to find ways to peace, Bishop Audo explained. Something newBishop Audo did report that "we are seeing something new in parts of Iraq.""There are now some safe areas," he said. "This is a new phenomenon and the Iraqi government is helping the refugees return to their homes. They are organizing bus trips back to Iraq in front of the embassy in Damascus to help people. And $800 is offered to each family to encourage them to return."As for the Christian populations, Bishop Audo concluded, "Generally, the Christians are still waiting; this a new thing. They want to be sure that it is safe."
