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| Photo Chaldean Patriarchate |
At the invitation of Patriarch Louis Raphael Cardinal Sako, leaders of Churches or their representatives (because some of them are abroad) met in the morning of November 29, 2019 at the Chaldean Patriarchate headquarters in Al-Mansour, Baghdad to discuss the current situation in Iraq.
The meeting was attended by both Auxiliary Bishops Mar Basilios Yaldo and Mar Robert Saeed Jarjis.
Statement by Leaders or Representative of Different Churches in Baghdad
We leaders or representatives of the Churches in Iraq, met at the Chaldean Patriarchate headquarters in Baghdad to discuss the current situation in our beloved Country and in order to make everyone aware of the effective “measures” to protect Iraq from slipping into the unknown.
"We confirm our solidarity with a peaceful demonstration and support protesters’ genuine demands for jobs; housing; services; social and health care; a decisive fight against corruption; as well as the recovery of the looted “Iraqi” money.
As Iraqi shepherds, and in view of our historical responsibility towards this country of civilizations, we call upon the government to make courageous and historical decisions that should effectively reform what needs to be reformed through a responsible and brave cultural dialogue, away from force and violence that does not serve the country.
Furthermore, we salute these young men and women, who represents the future of Iraq, for their peaceful protesting; overcoming sectarian barriers; emphasizing the one Iraqi national identity; and focusing on having Iraq as a civil society respecting pluralism and a home for all.
With hearts full of hope, we urge all protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful, by not allowing intruders to kidnap it from them and avoid attacking public and private properties.
We also urge the Government to assume its’ responsibility by protecting the lives of protesters and their rights for a peaceful expression of opinions.
Finally, we pray to the Almighty God to grant His mercy on the souls of victims of both protesters and security forces; also to heal the injured; and to enlighten everyone’s mind to make Iraq a country of glory.
