The Christians of Iraq desperately wish for an end to this war. They do not see the continued violence and military occupation by an outside power as a way to promote peace. At the same time, they ask not to be left alone. Christians in Iraq recognize the danger of an immediate total withdrawal of troops—dangerous to them and to the country. They ask for the implementation of a plan that would end occupation and recognize our responsibility for the rehabilitation of their country—both of which have been noticeably lacking.
In the midst of war and the policy debates, the Christians of Iraq have felt forgotten. Our Christian partners in Iraq ask for encouragement through our prayers and action in their time of trial.
Some things you can do:
-Observe a time of prayer each day at noon (Eastern time)—Iraqi Christians know that we will observe this vigil.
-Add your name to the “100,000 for Peace: Join Protest to Prayer” petition associated with the UCC Collegium’s Pastoral Letter on the Iraq War, at http://www.ucc.org/100kforpeace/
-Communicate to your elected official that you are very concerned about the well-being of US troops and of the people (especially the Christians) of Iraq every day the war is prolonged; that you support a responsible plan for withdrawal—it is in our country’s interest and in the interest of Iraqis; that you hope such a plan will address the refugee crisis and Iraq’s rehabilitation needs; and that you support efforts to promote peace throughout the Middle East.
-Visit Global Ministries’ Middle East and Europe home page for Iraq resources:
http://www.globalministries.org
