Iraq: Patriarch of Baghdad urges Muslims to openly condemn violence

Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako

In a message to Muslims, to mark Eid al-Adha, a holiday that commemorates the total submission of man to God, Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako repeats his invitation to condemn "violent, sectarian extremism, because it distorts religion".

The Patriarch traces a "road map for salvation" that starts from education and respect for "religious, cultural differences" while keeping "our national identity and unity." He also remembers the love of Christians for "everyone", even in difficulties and sufferings. He appeals to the national government and the authorities of Kurdistan, so that- together - the liberate Mosul and the Nineveh Plain from the oppressive yoke of the Islamic State.

The letter of the Chaldean Patriarch to the Muslim community in Iraq and the world follows below:

I send to the Muslim Brothers my sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, asking God to protect them and preserve our country from all evil.

There is no freedom and no dignity without a real honest relationship that recognizes and accepts the other as a brother and a partner in the land and home. Our citizens have suffered greatly from a variety of conflicts and wars, there must be genuine reconciliation, a brave dialogue, and an effective political approach to restore peace, security and stability.

By awareness and education that nurtures the religious, cultural, and national diversity and spread the culture of peace, tolerance respect, justice and dialogue we will maintain our national identity and unity, and raise barriers and promote trust and co-existence and eliminate all extremist ideology and everyone who urges to hatred and violence. This is the road map for the salvation of this disturbing situation.

We Iraqi Christians are a genuine and essential component in Iraq, we would like to stay with you as partners and work together as a team for the progress of our country and the good of our people. ISIS has displaced us of our towns and even in Baghdad the pressures are exerted on us, but we tell you that we love you because Jesus Christ commanded us to love everyone. We believe that all Muslims DO NOT approve the actions of ISIS and there are Muslims who are good ... like Dr Mohammed Al-Asali, who was killed in defence of Christians in Mosul. We hope that you openly declare your reject and condemn violent religious extremism because it distorts the religion.

On this occasion, we call on our national government to unite and cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government quickly to liberate Mosul and the towns of Nineveh Plain and other cities so that the million and half displaced people can go back to their homes as fast as could especially schools will open their doors after the Eid al-Adha holiday and winter is coming.

We wish you happy Eid Adha , that returns the values ​​of sacrifice for the respect of human rights and dignity, not sacrificing people.

Source: Fides