Statement from Archbishop Justin on Iraq
Friday 8th August 2014
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, issued the following statement today on the situation in Iraq, shortly before he travelled from the Philippines to Papua New Guinea.
“The horrific events in Iraq rightly call our attention and sorrow yet again. Christians and other religious minorities are being killed and face terrible suffering.
“What we are seeing in Iraq violates brutally people’s right to freedom of religion and belief, as set out under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is extremely important that aid efforts are supported and that those who have been displaced are able to find safety. I believe that, like France, the United Kingdom’s doors should be open to refugees, as they have been throughout history.
“The international community must document human rights abuses being committed in northern Iraq so that future prosecutions can take place. It is important and necessary for the international community to challenge the culture of impunity which has allowed these atrocities to take place.
“With the world’s attention on the plight of those in Iraq, we must not forget that this is part of an evil pattern around the world where Christians and other minorities are being killed and persecuted for their faith. Only this week I received an email from a friend in Northern Nigeria about an appalling attack on a village, where Christians were killed because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Such horrific stories have become depressingly familiar in countries around the world, including Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
“We must continue to cry to God for peace and justice and security throughout the world. Those suffering such appalling treatment in Iraq are especially in my prayers at this time.”
Last month Archbishop Justin called, on Twitter, for “solidarity of prayer and love” with the Christians in Iraq. Last week he requested that his homepage photo be changed to the Arabic letter for "N" in solidarity with persecuted Christians suffering in Iraq:
Archbishop Justin arrived in the Philippine capital of Manila on Wednesday at the start of a 10-day visit to the Anglican Provinces in the Philippines and Oceania.
1 comment:
The Bishops of Lichfield, Stafford, Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton have made a joint statement on the terrible violence in the Middle East:
"We fully endorse the Archbishop of Canterbury's comments on the conflicts raging in the Middle East, and we continue to pray for peace."
"Britain has a history of providing refuge to the oppressed. We ask the government to offer sanctuary to Christians and others who have been expelled under threat of death."
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