Statement of Solidarity with the Churches in Iraq and the Middle East Council of Churches

Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh
The General Secretary
The Middle East Council of Churches

The CCM has been following with great concern the persecution of Christians in Mosel, which has resulted in killings, kidnappings, destruction of historic church buildings ,monasteries and the displacement of many people.

The Iraqi Christians have lived in Iraq for centuries and they have always been recognised as a significant minority with rights and privileges in national life.

The national government of Iraq has not taken serious measures to take firm measures to address the matter and stop the carnage that has befallen the Christians.

We want to assure the churches in Iraq and the Middle East Council of Churches, that the churches in Malaysia stand in solidarity with you in your suffering and pray that peace, reconciliation and harmony will return to the country so rich with Biblical history.

Our Council will use all opportunities to work with regional and international ecumenical agencies to pressure the Iraqi government to do all that is necessary and urgently stop the violence and give greater protection to the minority Christian community.

Yours fraternally in-Christ,

REV. DR. HERMEN SHASTRI
General Secretary

17th October 2008