HomePress ReleasesSydney Archbishop calls for an end to Iraqi persecution

Sydney Archbishop calls for an end to Iraqi persecution

Published on

spot_img

The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, has joined calls for prayer and international assistance for Iraqi Christians facing severe persecution, even death, for their faith.

“It is an outrage that a community established in the early centuries of the Christian era should face expulsion from their own land, simply for their faith.” Dr Davies said in a public statement.

In Mosul, near the ruins of the ancient city of Nineveh, the militant Islamic group ISIS gave Christians an ultimatum: convert to Islam, pay a “protection tax” or face death.

Churches have been looted, burned or occupied. Christian homes have been marked with the Arabic letter “N” (for the word ‘Nasrani’ which translates to ‘Nazarene’, a follower of Jesus). This has been followed by a social media movement among Christians in the west to try to highlight the persecution.

Thousands of Christian families have been driven from the city.

“In the same area where God sent the prophet Jonah to turn back the people of Nineveh from their evil ways, we pray for a turning back of the evil which has come upon the Christians of Mosul, stripped of their livelihood, property and possessions.”

“The Australian government, the international community and the UN must not stand by while such persecution continues unabated.” Dr Davies said.

The Archbishop called on churches to pray for peace and justice in Iraq and also for Palestinian Christians caught in the conflict on the West Bank and the Gaza.

“We have entered a period of significant suffering for Christians around the world: from Iraq to Syria and from Egypt to Sudan.” the Archbishop said. “While the Cross is the symbol of suffering for all who are followers of Jesus of Nazareth, we have a responsibility to stand with our brothers and sisters in the face of such unmitigated persecution.”

Latest articles

Archbishop’s Presidential Address to York Diocesan Synod, 5th July 2025

This year, I celebrated – or perhaps ‘marked’ would be a more accurate word...

Investigation opened into York parish church after concerns raised over its financial controls

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into The Parochial Church Council of...

Anglican Church of Mexico schism enters third year

The five-diocese Anglican Church of Mexico has split into two parallel provincial structures, each...

Kenyan president presses forward with plans to build a state Anglican chapel

The President of Kenya, William Ruto, pushed back against his critics, including the primate...

Archbishop Ole Sapit objects to president’s plans to make the Anglican Church of Kenya the de facto state church

A dispute has arisen between Kenyan President William Ruto and the Most Rev. Jackson...

More like this

Archbishop’s Presidential Address to York Diocesan Synod, 5th July 2025

This year, I celebrated – or perhaps ‘marked’ would be a more accurate word...

Investigation opened into York parish church after concerns raised over its financial controls

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into The Parochial Church Council of...

Anglican Church of Mexico schism enters third year

The five-diocese Anglican Church of Mexico has split into two parallel provincial structures, each...