البطريركية الكلدانية بطريركية الكلدان
His Beatitude, Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako met with the Chaldean Bishops in Iraq at the Patriarchate summer headquarters in Ankawa, Erbil، in the morning of Tuesday 5 April 2016 to discuss the latest development of the current circumstances in Iraq and the region, especially the situation of Iraqi Christians in the homeland and the neighborhood. They concluded their meeting by issuing the following statement:
His Beatitude, the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and the Chaldean Bishops in Iraq:
• Expressed their pride toward the c Iraqi army, peshmerga forces of para military groups (Hashd Al-Shabi), and tribes, for achieving a progress and victory in releasing many cities, towns and villages while fighting against the so-called terrorist organization, Da’esh (ISIS).
• Prayed, may God culminate these victories by releasing Mosul, Nineveh plains and every piece of the Iraqi land; showering His Mercy on martyrs; and blessing the wounded with a speedy recovery.
• Declared their support and solidarity with the millions of forcibly displaced and migrated people, hoping that their suffering will end in the near future, when they will be able to go back to their homes and live in freedom, dignity and peace.
• Shared their worries about:
1. The serious impacts imposed on the living conditions of a large segment of Iraqi citizens as an outcome of the widespread financial corruptions, with the sharp economic decline and the resulted severe fiscal crisis. In particular, we are worried about the security status of the country that will be influenced by ignoring those with limited income, government employees, as well as the large number of families who are living at or below the poverty line. Therefore, we would like to join the wise Islamic authorities in calling to establish security in Iraq by:
a. Providing basic services
b. Ensuring social justice
c. Respecting human rights
d. Giving up the personal, sectarian and partisan gain and privileges
So, we confirm our support for the Iraqi citizens in demanding reform, which has become a matter of urgency that cannot be separated from the process of speeding up a genuine national and comprehensive reconciliation in order to establish a real political partnership, away from sectarian quotas and favoritism in all its forms.
2. Iraq needs now more than ever, a wise and smart political leadership that:
a. Concern about the homeland and the citizen's interest
b. Keen to demonstrate a firm model for the country of an inclusive citizenship
c. Can achieve social justice and equality.
Iraq stands today at a dangerous crossroads that represents a historic turning point and we should deal with it wisely. The current opportunity imposes on every one of us a historic responsibility that we should not miss. Perhaps, the latest change in the ministers’ portfolio can be considered as a first step for the required reform. However, we believe that the “actual” reform should start with a change of heart, unrestraint the mind and liberation of the soul.
Simultaneously, we demand including Christians in the new government based on the speech of the Iraqi prime minister to the Parliament on 31 March 2016, stating that he will involve all of the components of Iraqi people in the new cabinet reshuffle..
3. Regarding our Christian people and their multifaceted sufferings:
a. We confirm that we are standing by their side in these difficult conditions, in which they live their daily way of cross in a hope of resurrection.
b. We call Christians to be patient, persistent and not to be dragged into a random immigration and its’ promoters.
c. We renew our call and confirmation that Christians should be supported and their rights be defended as equal as all citizens of Iraq.
d. We emphasize on the need to reconsider the law of the Unified National Card (Article 26/2) especially concerning the religious dependency of underage, and the urgency to changing it.
e. We stress once again the need to protect Christians’ homes and properties and to stop seizing them illegally. In addition, to take the necessary steps to get it back to their owners, through the “due process” of law firm and a serious follow-up.
4. At this point, we call on Christian politicians (Parliament members, Chairmen of Parties, and other organizations.), to unite and coordinate their stances and speeches as a one political team that cooperate, communicate and integrate with other officials to come out with a clear vision and a wise Plan of Work that enables us to adopt effective steps:
a. In enhancing the fact of living together
b. In maintaining the social solidity
c. In accomplishing civil peace
d. In achieving the desired reforms.
Finally, we believe that there is no way to overcome our crisis other than facing our “chronic” problems with courage, strength and determination.
May God protect Iraq and Iraqis from harm and bless our country with peace and stability.
