By Syriac Press - Chaldean Patriarchate
May 16, 2024
May 16, 2024
The Chaldean Patriarchate in Iraq expressed surprise and disapproval over a recent meeting held by the Office of Endowments for Christians, Yezidis, and Sabean-Mandaeans, which discussed the issue of religious succession with some judges from the Federal Supreme Court.
Notably absent from this meeting were the heads of Iraqi Churches.
In a statement, the Patriarchate highlighted the unusual nature of the meeting and questioned the participation of the Vatican ambassador, whose role in Iraq has concluded and who does not represent the various Iraqi Churches.
The Patriarchate voiced its confusion about the necessity of discussing succession, noting that most Church bishops already hold the argument of succession. The statement criticized the head of the Office of Endowments for bypassing local Church leaders and instead involving a foreign cleric, suggesting this move undermines the authority of the local heads.
It also emphasized that the argument of succession cannot replace the Republican Decree, which was retracted by the President of the Republic in a clear constitutional violation.
The Chaldean Patriarchate called on officials in Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani’s government to address this overreach and prevent such actions in the future, urging respect for the proper representation and involvement of local church leaders in matters of succession.
Notably absent from this meeting were the heads of Iraqi Churches.
In a statement, the Patriarchate highlighted the unusual nature of the meeting and questioned the participation of the Vatican ambassador, whose role in Iraq has concluded and who does not represent the various Iraqi Churches.
The Patriarchate voiced its confusion about the necessity of discussing succession, noting that most Church bishops already hold the argument of succession. The statement criticized the head of the Office of Endowments for bypassing local Church leaders and instead involving a foreign cleric, suggesting this move undermines the authority of the local heads.
It also emphasized that the argument of succession cannot replace the Republican Decree, which was retracted by the President of the Republic in a clear constitutional violation.
The Chaldean Patriarchate called on officials in Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani’s government to address this overreach and prevent such actions in the future, urging respect for the proper representation and involvement of local church leaders in matters of succession.