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Greeting and Blessings on this, St Stephen's Day. I trust you had a good Christmas. I spent the day with my wonderful family in Hampshire and was so pleased that the snow didn't stop me from being with them.
St Stephen is the patron saint of martyrs and so today I ask, please, that you remember those who are suffering for their faith in Iraq.
The Anglican Church of St George is the largest church in Iraq. Until two months ago we had over 550 families in church, representing 4,000 people. In the past two months we have seen a significant increase in violence targeted at Christians. Two of our security guards have been shot dead and our head of security had his leg blown off. A number of members of my congregation have been killed and several others have lost family members.
As a result, at least 50 families from St George's have taken the drastic step of fleeing Baghdad, leaving behind their homes and their community. We pray for them as they launch out into the unknown, with all the uncertainty and vulnerability that comes with being an alien in a far off land.
We are not leaving
Even though several people have left Baghdad, the needs have not diminished. This is because we provide, not only for the Christians in our own community, but also for other denominations and for those of other faiths. The St George's clinic still provides medical and dental care for 1,500-2,000 patients every month. Christian, Sunni, Shia and Jewish medical staff work side by side to care for people in need.
The task is huge but we do not give up or lose hope. For Christians, life here is so dangerous and I simply ask that at this crucial time you ask your churches, your communities and your friends to help the Christians here in Iraq.
"Enough. Enough!"
We are living in danger but we are inspired by little Adam. Just a boy of three years of age, he was in the Syrian Catholic Church when the massacre took place there on 31st October this year. His parents were both killed but he traipsed around after the terrorists as they shot at people, shouting at them to stop. Over and over again he called out "Enough. Enough." And then he too was killed.
That is our cry too as we work hard to try to reduce religious sectarianism with the other religious leaders in Iraq. Enough is enough; it is time for the violence to stop. The people of Iraq deserve better.
On this St Stephen's day our fellow Christians are still being martyred in Iraq. Please encourage others to stand with us in our hour of need.
With every blessing.
Andrew
Canon Andrew White
For more information or to book either Andrew or Peter to speak, please email office@frrme.org
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