Forces Bishop prays for end to persecution in Iraq

Aug 18th, 2014

Bishop Moth

The Bishop of the Forces, the Right Reverend Richard Moth has asked military chaplains to offer Mass for those persecuted for their faith on Sunday 31st August.

In a Pastoral Letter, timed to coincide with military personnel returning from summer leave, Bishop Moth “calls on everyone across our Bishopric community to join me in redoubling our prayers for those who are victims of this persecution. We remember those who have lost their lives, those who have been kidnapped and all who face uncertainty having been driven from their homes.”

He says the “crimes being committed against our brothers and sisters are heinous in the extreme” and that they call for “continuing humanitarian aid and increased diplomatic efforts from the world community that stability can be brought to the region.”
The Pastoral Letter follows below:

Pastoral Letter
For the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 31st August 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Conscious of the situation in Iraq I ask you to make this following statement available to all in your pastoral care this coming Sunday.

Prayers for Peace

During the last weeks, events in the Middle East have continued to grow ever more serious. The conflict in Syria continues and the situation in Iraq grows worse by the day.

I take this opportunity to add my voice to church leaders across the world in calling for an end to the persecution of Christians and all other minority groups in Iraq. The crimes being committed against our brothers and sisters are heinous in the extreme and demand continuing humanitarian aid and increased diplomatic efforts from the world community that stability can be brought to the region.

I call on everyone across our Bishopric community to join me in redoubling our prayers for those who are victims of this persecution. We remember those who have lost their lives, those who have been kidnapped and all who face uncertainty having been driven from their homes.

Bearing in mind that many people are returning from summer leave at this time I ask all chaplains to offer Mass for those persecuted for their faith on Sunday 31st August and to ensure that this intention be included in the prayers of the faithful.

With many thanks and the assurance of my prayers,

Yours in Christ,