WelCom August 2024
Wrapping up their annual Synod in Baghdad, the Chaldean bishops of Iraq expressed their deep concern over the impact of the war in Gaza on the entire region, and reaffirmed a two-state solution as the only way for a lasting peace.
In a statement issued at the closing of the Synod last month, the Iraqi bishops expressed deep concern for the many conflicts raging in the Middle East, especially in the Holy Land.
While condemning ‘all forms of violence’, they urged the international community to always uphold peace and actively engage to put an immediate end to this devastating war.
According to the Chaldean bishops, the only viable solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to create two neighbouring states that live ‘in peace, security, stability and mutual trust’.
This stance is strongly advocated, among many others, by the Holy See, but is firmly opposed by the Israeli government, especially after Hamas’ terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023.
The statement further focused on the Christian communities living in the region. Regarding specifically Iraq, the Chaldean bishops decried the ‘agony’ of Christians, ‘rooted in this land’, who, they said, ‘have suffered greatly in the past two decades’ from deprivation of their rights, marginalisation, exclusion and illegal seizure of their properties and goods.’
The Synod called on Iraqi authorities to ensure Christians enjoy the same political and civil rights as all Iraqi citizens.
Source: Vatican News