Conscience awakening

“They all display major interest, along with the yearning to listen from our living voice what is happening to Christians in Iraq so as to identify the political initiatives that will best promote our Country’s recovery and the respect of minorities, notably Christians”. With these words the Chaldean patriarchal vicar of Baghdad, Msgr. Shlemon Warduni, drew a balance of his recent meetings and hearings at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, at the German Bundestag in December 2010 and at the Italian Parliament past January 20 for SIR Europe. The commitment is promoted by the need to champion the cause of Iraqi Christians, especially after the deadly attack at the Syro-Catholic Church in Baghdad on October 31 resulting in dozens of deaths. These are but the most recent victims of violence. Over the past year women and children were slaughtered, along with numerous priests and the archbishop of Mosul, Msgr. Paulos Faraj Rahho, kidnapped on February 29 2008, and found dead less than two weeks later. Renewed interest. “To all the MEPs that I met, in Strasbourg, Germany and Italy – the prelate said – I presented the Iraqi situation, which is still very difficult because of the violence against Christians and also against the entire population. However, Christians’ situation in Iraq and in other Middle-Eastern countries, is also marked by a lack of religious freedom. I hope that the attention of European politicians isn’t only political but also human. A lot can be done at political level to promote Iraq’s rebirth. Over the past years our claims have not been taken into due consideration. Things are changing now: there is greater awareness, as proved by our presence in political environments at international level. We will have to wait and see whether the commitments that have been taken will bring concrete fruits. I’m realistic and it seems to me that European consciences are re-awakening”.A strategic role. “Speaking with MEPs – continues Msgr. Warduni – I reminded them of the strategic role that EU Member States could play in Iraq and for this, I underlined the need for greater cooperation for the establishment of peace and security. As I had the opportunity of saying also during the hearing at the Italian Chamber of Deputies, priority actions should be undertaken to overcome the ongoing emergency and achieve peace and security. First of all, everyone’s cooperation is needed. Iraq has the possibility to fulfill the populations’ primary needs thanks to its many resources. For this, it is necessary to wipe out the sale of weapons and create infrastructures and projects that will provide employment to Iraqi youth. Religious freedom is important in the achievement of peace. We must not forget that although Christians in Iraq enjoy freedom of worship they cannot fully profess their faith. Those who wish to convert from Islam to Christianity risk being killed”.Refugees’ problem. “Given the ongoing situation – said the vicar of Baghdad – Iraqi Christians are leaving the Country, whose Christian presence thus risks disappearing. I have asked MPs of European parliaments to solve the problem of Iraqi refugees living in their countries, which in certain cases risk being repatriated. Europe could do a lot to redress the immigration question. European Countries’ declarations of asylum-granting to Iraqi refugees are useless if the latter are not being granted a refugee status. Unless employment is guaranteed, the Iraqi population, notably Christians, will continue to emigrate. It is necessary to create the appropriate conditions for Iraqi Christians to remain and return to the Country”.The paradox of the Cross. The presence of Iraqi bishops in Germany and in Italy, as well as in Strasbourg, where Msgr. Warduni was accompanied also by the Syro-Catholic archbishop of Baghdad, Msgr. Athanase Matti Shaba Matoka and by his counterpart in Mosul Msgr. Basile Georges Casmoussa, led to the release of statements condemning attacks against Christians and in defense of the freedom of thought, conscience and religion as an inalienable right. “It’s a paradox – concludes Msgr. Warduni – that before such determined stands in favour of the freedom of conscience and religion, in Europe there are those who intend to eliminate Christian symbols, like the Crucifix, from public places. The image of supreme sacrifice cannot be removed from man’s conscience and Iraqi Christians are evidence of this. Suffering and love are always within mankind”.