from http://jerichotree.com/2014/08/08/cardinals-iraq-appeal-help-and-protect-persecuted-communities-facing-a-threat-to-their-very-existence/
“I have followed with deep sadness the unfolding disaster in Mosul,
in Sinjar and Qaraqosh, and in other towns and villages across northern
Iraq. This is a persecution of immense proportions in which Christian,
Yezidi and other communities have been targeted by ISIS and forced to
flee their ancestral homes in the Nineveh Plains in search of temporary
safety. All they are doing is trying to escape certain death.
“Today, I add my voice to those of the Church leaders in Iraq as well
as all the Bishops of Oriental Churches who met in Beirut yesterday
alongside the Apostolic Nuncio. Along with Christian and Muslim leaders
in Wales and many others we appeal for help and protection for these
persecuted communities facing a threat to their very existence in their
biblical homelands. It is imperative that the international community
ensure the physical protection of all communities in Iraq, their human
rights including the right to religious freedom. I urge Her Majesty’s
Government to lead the efforts in the face of such a human calamity in
order to help restore these shattered communities, provide them with
urgent humanitarian aid and work with others to ensure their long term
security in the land of their birth.
“I encourage our own Catholic community to continue to give
generously to our agencies working to support the people of Iraq. Above
all I invite all people of faith to turn to God in prayer this weekend
and seek for our world the change of heart and the gift of grace that
alone can bring us peace.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Archbishop of Westminster
[Source: Westminster Diocese Communications Office]