Photo: CNS
AUSTRALIA’S Catholic bishops have called for the nation’s parishes to pray this weekend in solidarity with Christians and those of other faiths suffering persecution in Northern Iraq.
The bishops expressed concern about the region’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
They condemned “the use of terrorism in the name of religion”.
”Tens of thousands of Christians have been forced to flee Mosul, Qaraqosh and other areas of Northern Iraq, with demands by Islamic State fighters that they convert to Islam or die,” the bishops said.
“The Yazidis, other Muslim, religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq, have also been forced to flee from forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). ”
The Australian bishops said recent events in Northern Iraq awere “truly evil”.
“ISIS is beheading and crucifying people and driving communities from their homelands,” the bishops said.
“The Iraqi government has proven incapable of defending its own citizens from these brutal attacks.
“ When faced with such horror, our hearts go out to those people who are being persecuted and who are suffering because of their beliefs.
“We stand with our fellow Catholics from the Middle East in Australia in protesting these outrages and in calling on the international community to secure the safety of the people of Northern Iraq from religious cleansing. ”
The Australian Government’s role in supplying humanitarian relief to the tens of thousands of displaced people was also acknowledged.
“Australia has an important role to play as a member of the United Nations Security Council in securing the future of the people of Iraq,” the statement said.
“We ask that Catholic parishioners throughout Australia pray for the Iraqi people this weekend, giving thanks for their great faith and asking God to protect and watch over them.”
Bracken Ridge-Bald Hills St Joseph and St Anthony’s parish is among those heeding the call with prayers being held throughout the weekend.
Parish priest Fr Gerry Hefferan, who visited parts of Northern Iraq last year, said the parish would also be holding a novena in the lead up to the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14.
“This feast day has great significance for the Church in the Middle East,” he said.
The Australian bishops’ call for prayer for the people of Iraq this weekend will be included in parish newsletters around Brisbane archdiocese and further afield where possible.
