Forwards in friendship
'He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God was making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God.'
2 Cor 5: 19-20
Dear friends,
Today saw the close of our crisis meeting of Iraq's religious leaders in Copenhagen. We thank God for his presence throughout the summit. His guidance has helped make it a huge success. After three days spent in robust discussions, the religious leaders issued a joint statement, condemning the recent violence, and calling for peace and solid steps toward reconciliation and stabilisation. The leaders wrote to command their people to recognise that Christians are a root of Iraq and that, by targeting them, extremists were cutting off the roots of their own nation.
They forbade incitement to racial violence in mosques and in the media.
Moreover, the summit helped strengthen relations between leaders. Earlier today, still in Copenhagen, Peter Marsden - Director of Operations at FRRME - told us, "The conference enabled these leaders to meet together and eat together, thereby strengthening their relationships. This is hugely important if they are able to work together towards forming a peaceful and secure state of Iraq. "We recognise God's hand and his presence in the negotiations. We pray that this will mark the beginning of a renewed work towards peace, reconciliation, and development in this ancient land." I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your prayers and your messages of support this week. They've been a huge blessing to us here in Petersfield, and to our staff in Copenhagen. Please do continue to pray that the statements issued and commitments made during this summit will bear fruit in the coming months. We firmly believe that, as they did so before, so they will again.
Canon Andrew
Andrew is now away from his family for a long stretch, almost two months. Please pray for him, his wife and children during this time. Pray for protection, for funding to last the duration of his stay in Iraq, and for the daily strength and joy to do his vital work there.
Iraq
The last week has been an important one for Iraq, though marred by further killings. Just yesterday, bombings and gunfire killed three people in Baghdad and wounded 14.
The violence came hours after US vice president Joe Biden arrived in the capital for progress talks. The week also saw the return of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, the former leader of the Mehdi Army. Please pray that Sadr's return to Iraq will be peaceful, and that he and his followers will support the rule of law in Iraq, and contribute to the rebuilding of a peaceful state for all.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support and prayer. Every blessing to you.
Jenny Williams
jenny@frrme.org
Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East
www.FRRME.org
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