London: Iraqi Christians and Muslims in vigil outside Parliament

Photo: Ninos Toma

Up to 2,000 people from the Iraqi Christian community in the United Kingdom, together with British Christian and Muslim supporters, held a vigil near Parliament Square, Westminster on Saturday, 26 July, to protest at the persecution of Christians in Iraq. There were readings, prayers, hymns and chants, before a delegation walked down Whitehall to Number Ten Downing Street to present a petition.

The vigil was led by Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Toma Dawood, Syrian Catholic Monsignor Nizar Semaan, Chaldean Catholic Father Nadheer Dako, Ancient Church of the East Corepiscopos (Khoury), Fr Dr Khoshaba and Fr Tony from the Eastern Assyrian church of the East, Aid to the Church in Need and other organisations. A number of Iraqi Muslim leaders also attended.

Among the crowds there were two young Muslim women students. One of them told ICN: "We have family in Mosul. We are all so shocked at what has happened to our Christian neighbours. We all lived together peacefully for many years. That is why we have come today to express our solidarity with our friends and neighbours."

Many participants of the Christian vigil went on to join the 60,000-strong demonstration in Parliament Square by campaigners who had marched from the Israeli embassy in Kensington High Street to the Houses of Parliament to protest over Israel's bombardment of Gaza. Among the speakers was Bruce Kent, vice-chair of Pax Christi.

Further reports to follow on Monday morning.

See ICN Facebook page for more pictures. www.facebook.com/pages/Independent-Catholic-News-ICN/195368037167900?hc_location=timeline