Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako
1. Christians in Iraq (as in the whole world) are getting ready these days to celebrate the glorious Pascal – Resurrection, in spite of their suffering and daily grief , due to racism that they have faced and are still facing because the unfairly made decisions and unjust legislations; in addition to the heartbreaking attack by terrorists causing serious wounds that cannot be ignored, especially for expelling them from their homes. Therefore, we expect the government officials and religious authorities to embrace them, and do more than routine courtesy and the consideration of the majority and the minority, by releasing a concrete initiative to support their continued existence, as native people of this land; to guarantee their rights as equal citizens; and to treat them as genuine partners in “self-determination”.
2. For all these reasons, including
migration, our Chaldean Church in Iraq has become a "small Flock ",
though a lively, powerful church, and ecumenically open-minded that
helped and is still helping the poor and the displaced, including 700
university students (among the IDPs of Mosul and Nineveh Plain) by
providing accommodation and related support to all of them regardless of
their faith and ethnicity. This is our Church that serves with love for
the benefit of all people; inspires hope; encourages solidarity; seeks
reliability to build bridges; supports dialogue; and national
reconciliation. Therefore the Chaldean Patriarchate called for a march
for peace in the Holy Week in Iraq 140 km from Erbil to Alqosh and is
organizing a conference on May 10 entitled "Citizenship and
co-existence in the message of the religious pulpit" in cooperation with
the official Integrity Commission.
3. In the midst of the deterioration
in the Iraqi security; infrastructure; and economy during the past 14
years, the defeat of ISIS (Da'esh, those who brought death, destruction
and displacement), and the subsequent triumph of all courageous armed
forces in the area has made Iraqis proud and hopeful. Thus, the time has
come for politicians to; unite and correct their routes; commit their
energies in the right directions to build a modern civil state;
integrate into the national identity; and adopt sound economic, social
and educational programs. So that our country will find its’ way to a
qualitative revival at all levels. Then Iraqis will enjoy a more secured
and peaceful future of justice, dignity and freedom.
4. Since Christianity means to bear
what we are called for in life, I urge Christians in general and the
Chaldeans in particular not to allow the above mentioned “incidents” to
frustrate them and turn off the Easter flame in their hearts, but rather
to :
– Deepen their fidelity to
Christianity and to their Church; strengthen their affiliation to their
homeland; renew trust and consolidate ties with their fellow citizens of
different backgrounds; and to keep in mind that their presence in this
land is a sign and a story of a historical existence for 20 Centuries.
– Come out of their current negative
attitude and not to dwell in unsecured solution of immigration, but to
return to their towns , lives and keep this bond with their history,
heritage, language and the memoir of their ancestors, saints and
martyrs. The Chaldean Church, despite its limited capabilities, began to
rehabilitate the towns of Alqosh line(north Mosul).
– Unite their stances and speeches as
brothers of one nation. Since the “so-called” terms of Chaldean, Syriac
and Assyrians etc. are similar to the fingers of one hand, in which
they become “one” in spite of their individuality. However, such
distinctions should encourage unity and appreciate uniqueness, because
diversity means richness and unity should be looked at as a requirement
for Christians to keep their political presence and contribution to
public affairs.
– Work efficiently with their fellow
Iraqi citizens of different faiths, such as Muslims, Yazidis, Sabian
Mandaeans, etc. in confronting the challenges they face together as a
nation. This will ultimately guide people in this country to promote
diversity, multiplicity and respect differences within the framework of a
completely practiced citizenship and the common rules of moral conduct.
5. Finally, The Chaldean Church has
dedicated this year 2017 as a year of peace. Hence, this holy week of
Easter celebrations, represents an excellent opportunity to provide us
with a strong hope for peace, stability and a new life through prayer,
reflection, reconciliation and dialogue.
I would like to extend my sincere
congratulation to all Iraqis together with my sincere wishes of peace
and prosperity for our beloved Iraq.
May God keep the Resurrection for all of us.
+. Louis Raphael I Sako
Patriarca di Babilonia dei Caldei
Baghdad 9 of April 2017