Middle East Council of Churches General Secretary Comdemns Violence Against Innocent Christians in Mousel

Statement on Christians in Mousel, Iraq

The MECC is following with worries the latest news of the painful incidents which are taking place in Mousel – Iraq since two weeks against the Iraqi Christians and are manifested in acts of violence, killings, and forced displacement. The MECC condemns such violent demonstrations against innocent Christians who were attacked by strangers and insurgents. The numbers of Christians who were killed till this moment are 12, and more than 1000 families are forced to leave the homes in the city taking refuge in monasteries, towns and villages surrounding Mousel.

The MECC affirms the historical fact that Iraqi Christians are a major component of the Iraq national ethnic groups. They have taken part in building their old civilization, and are taking honest part in re‐building their today’s nation with utmost sincerity as citizens and in cooperation with other ethnic counter‐part citizens. They are looking for a national unity in which it brings into it all ethnic groups of Iraq; and live in harmony, tolerance, reconciliation and equality.

The MECC stands in full solidarity with its Christian brothers and sisters in Mousel ‐ Iraq in their recent human catastrophe, extending its prayers to Almighty God and beseeching Him peace. The MECC is calling all churches and partners in the world to take a responsible stand in supporting the the rights of Iraqi Christians to live as full citizens in peace, harmony, equality and dignity in their home country.

The MECC is also calling on the Iraqi Government to take a firm approach and action in protecting its Christian citizens in Mousel and work on the return of people to their homes and works I a safe environment.

Beirut, October 13 2008
Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh
General Secretary
Middle East Council of Churches