Iraqi Christians protest in Westminster

At noon yesterday, about 350 people gathered in front of parliament demonstrating against the massacre which took place on 31 October, in Baghdad at the Our Lady of Deliverance Cathedral, the Seat of the Syriac Bishop of Baghdad. The demonstrators were asking that the British government condemns the attack and to put pressure on the Iraqi government to afford more protection to the Iraqi Christians living in Iraq. After all it was the British government who was partly responsible for the chaos in Iraq. As usual the demonstration was very peaceful event. Similar rallies were held at the same time in about 20 cities around the world.

A spokesman said: "We are concerned that there has recently been a call for a mass exodus of Christians from Iraq which if it takes place, could mean a huge impact on the European Community and on the United Kingdom in particular. We appreciate how compassionate and caring the British public is however we are asking the government to do more to protect those that wish to stay in their own country but at the same time welcome some of those that wish to leave and accept them into this country.

"So far the British government has been silent and the British media almost indifferent. We urge you the media with a voice to shout loud enough so the government can take notice.

"Even the French government offered to treat the wounded in France and in fact 38 of the injured, including the heroic father Qutaimi were taken to France yesterday by special medical plane for treatment. We wish the British government had made a similar gesture."

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

The Mass was originally scheduled for Friday the 5th of November however at the request of the Westminster Archbishop’s office, who wants to participate in the Mass and asked him to rearrange the time to next Friday the 12th. The mass will be attended by Bishop Alan Hopes who will be carrying a message from Archbishop Vincent Nichols, as well as others. A second Mass will be arranged later this month at Westminster Cathedral. The service will also be attended by many family members of the victims, Under secretary of the Iraqi Embassy, MP for Hammersmith, as well as several dignitaries.

See also: Priest asks Muslims to issue Fatwa against killing Iraqi Christians www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=17081