Source: World Council of Churches
Conseil œcuménique des Eglises
Consejo Mundial de Iglesias
Ökumenischer Rat der Kirchen
Geneve, July 14, 2009
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,We have been deeply troubled and saddened by the brutal wave of violentattacks on the churches and Christian communities in Baghdad, Mosul andKerkuk over this last week, which have left four people dead and 32 othersinjured.
On behalf of the World Council of Churches I am writing to express our deepest concern over the loss of life and the constant threats you have suffered over the past six years. At the same time, I am writing to assure you of our support as you pass through these turbulent and challenging times, and to encourage you to continue to witness to the love and peace of God in Jesus Christ even amidst hatred and aggression.
It is with this spirit that we are organizing a visit to the churches in Baghdad, Mosul and the North of Iraq by representative members of theWCC fellowship of churches, to demonstrate our solidarity and support, to share your concerns and hopes, and to work with you for peaceful solutions. On behalf of the ecumenical family, we express our sincere condolences and sympathy to the people of Iraq, especially to the families of those who were killed and injured. We pray for peace and reconciliation in Iraq, and for those who are displaced, for all others who suffer the consequences of violence and for all who are striving to restore trust and goodwill among people and communities.You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers as you pass through this tragic and critical time.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
