Message from Iraqi Christians in UK

With deep sorrow, the Iraqi Churches in the United Kingdom announce the sad news of the cowardly and barbaric attack on the innocent Christian Sunday worshipers.

On 31.10.10 during Sunday Mass at the Syriac Catholic Church Our Lady of Salvation, in Baghdad, two Catholic priests and more than sixty faithful were killed. Another 120 were wounded. Hundreds of dependents are now helpless.

For the past seven years, the Iraqi Christians have been targeted by waves of attacks on their churches, monasteries, homes, businesses and in persons. A Bishop and several priests were killed and even slaughtered in cold blood. Since the events of 2003 more than half the Iraqi Christians fled the country, thousands have been killed, and more than 60 churches, monasteries were bombed.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and Christian leaders have come out with a strong condemnation of the Iraqi authorities and the foreign troops for not protecting the civilians, especially minorities. Many other countries have done so. We are yet to hear the same condemnation from HM Government.

Iraq is not often front page news except when there is a catastrophe like the one on 31.10.10. The problems of the Iraqi Christians still exist. It is a very heavy price being paid in blood by them who are deeply rooted in their country Iraq when others, regrettably, think NOT, and they are forcing them to leave.

We believe future developments could be even more serious. We therefore ask the Iraqi authorities and the entire world to ensure their safety, security and justice. We ask all peace-loving governments, Human Rights organizations to help the Christians of Iraq. These events are a milestone in the 2000 year history of Christianity in Iraq and the whole Middle East.

The Churches of the Iraqi communities in the United Kingdom will hold a remembrance service for the bereaved families of the Massacre at 19:00 on Friday 12th November 2010 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 41 Brook Green, Hammersmith, London, W6 7BL