The
Chaldean League is a non-political and non-profit worldwide
organization built on philanthropic, ethnic, social and national
grounds. As a new entity, it requires at this phase to stand firm and be
supported by highly qualified people. It is making an effort to
strengthen relations with Christians and other citizens, in addition to
serving Chaldeans (as a component of the nation not as a minority).
This “young” League has achieved a lot in
its’ first year. Therefore, our thank goes to the capable and dedicated
President, Mr. Safa Sabah Hindi, who showed the merits and wisdom in
managing it. We extend our thanks to the heads of the branches and the
founders as well, and hope that the new administration will continue
achieving its’ goals in serving the Chaldeans and Mesopotamian people in
Iraq and in diaspora.
On this occasion, I would like to remind
you of all the difficult circumstances that led to take this initiative.
Simply, the Chaldeans were in need of such a league, similar to many
other ecclesial, social, cultural organizations in the Middle East.
Even though, the establishing of the
Chaldean League brought up some backbiting, we hope that it will provide
an opportunity for other entities that care about Christian affairs in
the country and the region to unite their speeches and achieve their
humanitarian, spiritual and social aims by civilized coordination with
other groups. So, we hope that the Chaldean League proceed forward to
achieve its goals without being competitive or affiliated with any
political entity! Subsequently, this conference presents an excellent
opportunity for the league to study how to approach their “new”
milestones, and respond to all kinds of criticism in a positive and
responsible spirit.
To Help the Chaldean League Move Forward I Would Suggest the Following:
1. Consider, seriously the possibility
of establishing branches in all the regional countries by selecting
people who have the competence and are efficient in voluntary service.
This step will help the League to activate a unified action at the local
level in order to face all the challenges within the Chaldean home and
the Christian components in general.
2. Encourage all those who feel that
they are Chaldeans and /or believe in the League’s principles and
programs to apply for the membership in accordance with the terms and
rules of its’ system.
3. Form “Chaldean Observatory”
committees that may keep up on certain issues such as, human rights,
women, youth, media, as well as establishing radio and television
station.
4. Adopt realism and objectivity, away
from dreams, and avoid the usage of the Chaldean League for personal
benefits, but rather be humble, as the local proverb states “stretch
your legs as far as the length of your bed”!!
5. Study the possibilities of
revitalizing and strengthening the existence of Christians in Iraq and
promote their presence and testimonies, which requires vision,
well-studied stances and a clear language. It should include also a
serious work with all parties concerned (locally and globally), so as to
stop the immigration hemorrhage.
6. Activate relations with other
groups of Christians (namely, Assyrians, Syriacs and Armenians
patiently. Since diversity is richness, I believe that the understanding
and friendly dialogue will enable us to reach the common stance
intellectually, culturally, socially and politically.
7. Reinforce an open, philanthropic,
and equivalent relations with Muslim citizens based on fair ground, a
clear and common citizenship concepts that preserve all their rights
equally.
Hence, I would like to appreciate with
gratefulness the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for welcoming and
accommodating Christians with thousands of other Iraqi displaced
citizens. The history will never forget this humanitarian stance.
Therefore, I hope that the officials and politicians at KRG will
maintain the unity among their people in Kurdistan Region, its’
stability, and security by avoiding conflicts and infighting that may
divide their people as it happened in the “wounded” Iraq. On the other
hand, maintaining unity will guarantee the defeat of extremism and
terrorism as well as the release of seized lands and will help the
displaced return to their homes.
As you may know, the presence of
Christians is a big support for both KRG and the central government for
their skills, loyalty and openness. So, we should work together to keep
them as ONE original and native component that contribute to develop the
country.
Finally, as people of this homeland, we
are aware that the current situation poses many difficult and
complicated challenges. We pray may God grant all of us success in our
endeavor for every good work. I am pleased that their Excellencies,
Chaldean Bishops (Synod members) are attending the conference today and
would like together with them and on behalf of the Church to wish you
all the best in achieving your noble goals.