HomePress ReleasesStatement from the Archbishop of Canterbury on Iraq

Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury on Iraq

Published on

spot_img

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.

August 8, 2014

“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.”

Latest articles

Gaza: House of Bishops statement on attack on Al Ahli Hospital

14/04/2025 Yesterday across the Church of England and around the Anglican Communion, we marked Palm...

King Charles praises Islam and Judaism in surprising Easter message

https://youtu.be/tNcUVEx2asU?si=kqANYkEP-8cg4poC

Why the Roman Catholic Church Is Rising in England—and What It Reveals About Faith in an Age of Uncertainty

I remember a story from the time of the American Great Awakening. It may be...

Bearing Witness in a Time of War: A Pastoral Word on Gaza

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, One of the earliest and most powerful acclamations of...

Anglican Mainstream survives deplatforming attempt

A UK Christian charity is urging all charity trustees to urgently risk assess their...

More like this

Gaza: House of Bishops statement on attack on Al Ahli Hospital

14/04/2025 Yesterday across the Church of England and around the Anglican Communion, we marked Palm...

King Charles praises Islam and Judaism in surprising Easter message

https://youtu.be/tNcUVEx2asU?si=kqANYkEP-8cg4poC

Why the Roman Catholic Church Is Rising in England—and What It Reveals About Faith in an Age of Uncertainty

I remember a story from the time of the American Great Awakening. It may be...