By SIR
This year, the Christmas Message from the Council of Christian Churches of France, signed by Card. André Vingt-Trois for the Catholic Church, Pastor Claude Baty for Protestant Churches, and Metropolitan Emmanuel for Orthodox Churches is dedicated to “persecuted, kidnapped, imprisoned, tortured Christians, forced to leave their countries because of their faith. The “brutal” attack on the Cathedral of Baghdad on 31 October “unfortunately, is not an isolated case. Several Christians of all faiths have been the subject of intimidation, threats and attacks”.
In many countries, “persecutions are also the consequence of discriminatory rules of law. Too often, crimes are committed for religious reasons, in general indifference”. “For you, persecuted Christian Brothers and Sisters – it is written in the message – we want to confirm our support and our spiritual communion. We are one family in Christ; you must know we haven’t forgotten you”. In the message, the Christian leaders of France launch an appeal in favour of Christian communities: “For the suffering unfairly inflicted to you not to be left unpunished, we make an appeal to the public opinion and our political leaders. We are asking them to recall your governments to their duties, making them put an end to all attacks; they should regard you as citizens who are part of your Nations”.
This year, the Christmas Message from the Council of Christian Churches of France, signed by Card. André Vingt-Trois for the Catholic Church, Pastor Claude Baty for Protestant Churches, and Metropolitan Emmanuel for Orthodox Churches is dedicated to “persecuted, kidnapped, imprisoned, tortured Christians, forced to leave their countries because of their faith. The “brutal” attack on the Cathedral of Baghdad on 31 October “unfortunately, is not an isolated case. Several Christians of all faiths have been the subject of intimidation, threats and attacks”.
In many countries, “persecutions are also the consequence of discriminatory rules of law. Too often, crimes are committed for religious reasons, in general indifference”. “For you, persecuted Christian Brothers and Sisters – it is written in the message – we want to confirm our support and our spiritual communion. We are one family in Christ; you must know we haven’t forgotten you”. In the message, the Christian leaders of France launch an appeal in favour of Christian communities: “For the suffering unfairly inflicted to you not to be left unpunished, we make an appeal to the public opinion and our political leaders. We are asking them to recall your governments to their duties, making them put an end to all attacks; they should regard you as citizens who are part of your Nations”.