Posted on 12/16/2013 6:06:55 AM PST by marshmallow
Warning that a Middle East empty of Christians would be just like the Taliban, Iraqs most senior Catholic leader pointedly called on the West to show greater concern for suffering Christians in the region.
We feel forgotten and isolated, said Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako, head of Iraqs Chaldean Catholic Church.
We sometimes wonder, if they kill us all, what would be the reaction of Christians in the West? Would they do something then?
Sako made clear hes not asking for a mobilization to protect Christians, but rather Western efforts to support harmonious societies for all human beings, based on a civil state in which the only criterion is citizenship grounded in full equality under the law.
Sako said that at the moment, the influence of Western nations in the region seems to be based primarily on self-interest.
All they do is create problems, sell weapons and take oil, he said, adding bluntly, This is a sin.
In terms of the Catholic response, Sako proposed that the church produce a new document directed specifically at Muslims to lay out the case for moving beyond tolerance to religious freedom and full citizenship.
(Excerpt) Read more at ncronline.org ...
In America, the majority of Catholics are liberal. They vote in favor of abortion and sodomy through their representatives. Look at the Latino vote. Just stating it as it is, not to slander Catholics. Its not the Church’s fault. The Church has remained traditionalist.
It appears that you may not be aware of how widespread the Catholic Church is.
First They Came for the Jews
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.
Pastor Martin Niemöller
Community and individuality are not opposites. People cannot survive on their own. When the odds are stacked against you, you must rally with the oppressed and hated.
When a growing oppressive regime is taking hold, you must act, otherwise you will soon face your enemy alone and hopeless.
Strength of community is a strength as much as individualism, as long you are willing to face weaknesses in your own community. Ignoring slacking values will mean that you will be rallied against by those you oppress.
Niemöller affirms we must rally against unhealthy organized regimes. We must also stay vigilant with those that appear to be good natured, as all organisation attracts corruption. Niemöller also warns us that if it is you who are corrupt, then you will face a stronger combined force of foe!
Vexen Crabtree
No didn’t you see my follow up post. Please don’t start harassing me I posted to the incorrect thread. I didn’t have my coffee yet.
Prayer for Peace in Syria
God of Compassion,
Hear the cries of the people of Syria,
Bring healing to those suffering from the violence,
Bring comfort to those mourning the dead,
Strengthen Syria’s neighbors in their care and welcome for refugees,
Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms,
And protect those committed to peace.
God of Hope,
Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies,
Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria,
And give us hope for a future of peace built on justice for all.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
Prince of Peace and Light of the World,
Amen.
Petition: For the people of Syria, that God may strengthen the resolve of leaders to end the fighting and choose a future of peace.
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