Anglican Communion Secretary Deplores Iraq Church Attacks as Christians Flee

A statement has been released by the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Canon John L. Peterson on the attack upon Christian Churches in Iraq.

After churches were attacked in Baghdad on Sunday, many Christians are planning to flee Iraq. Some reports stated that small but steady numbers of Christians are slowly moving to Syria, in order to escape the threats and violence of the terrorists.

The Middle East Council of Churches said the violence was "an evil effort to divide Iraqi Muslims and Christians who are bound together in citizenship and who share a common history." The organisation also said that they have "a common vision for a democratic Iraq, free from foreign occupation. It asked for the prayer that "God Almighty will shed his mercy upon the victims of these atrocities in Iraq and restore peace to the land."

The attacks have been widely condemned by Christian and Muslim leaders alike, and Canon John L. Peterson, the General Secretary of the Anglican Communion added his voice against the terrorists.

Peterson's statement is laid out below:

"I join other Church leaders deploring the attack on Christian Churches in Iraq last Sunday. I know that Anglicans around the world, in their private prayers as well as in their corporate worship, pray constantly for the people of Iraq. We pray for all those who are involved in this unending conflict.

"My thoughts and prayers are also with those in other places in our world where Christians gathering for worship do so in great fear and with brave hearts. We pray for the Sudan, Northern Uganda, Pakistan, and for all people who gather for worship with the full realisation that their lives could be in danger. We pray for justice and peace. May God have mercy on us all."

Canon John L. Peterson
Secretary General, The Anglican Communion