October 14, 2008

Prayer appeal for Christians in Iraq

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We are profoundly alarmed by the reports coming out of Iraq of the increasing, targeted acts of terror and violence against Christians in Mosul.

We lament the violence and destruction that have been happening in Iraq since the beginning of the war. This latest news of what appears to be religious cleansing adds yet another layer of concern.

The roots of Christianity in Mosul are deep, going back to ancient times. An Iraq without a Christian presence is contrary to what has historically made the Iraqi society a model of harmonious inter-religious relations, and portends a future marked by intolerance and fanaticism.

Word that the government of Iraq has increased its security forces in Mosul to help stem this most recent violence is encouraging. We have sent a letter to the Iraqi leadership, calling on them to continue efforts to protect all Iraqi citizens — Christians and Muslims — from acts of terror and violence that are aimed toward the systematic destabilization of the country.

We call on Presbyterian leaders and leaders of other religious communities to work together as people of faith to continue to teach, encourage and practice tolerance toward people of faith traditions other than their own.

We also continue our call to the United States government to take responsibility for supporting the Iraqi government as it establishes a just, stable, and democratic government.

Our concern for the safety and well-being of Christians stretches beyond Iraq to India, China, and other parts of the world where violence and an attitude of religious intolerance are present.

Wherever such an attitude is present — regardless of the religious affiliation or motives of those who hold it — humanity is diminished and the reality of God’s peaceable realm is pushed farther away.

Please join us in continued prayers for peace and the safety of all people — and especially for Christian brothers and sisters who are living under the threat and reality of violence.

The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow
Moderator of the 218th General Assembly

Elder Linda Bryant Valentine
Executive Director, General Assembly Council

The Rev. Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly