English bishop says Iraqi Christian community undergoing own Calvary

Published: 2008-03-19

LONDON (CNS) -- An English bishop asked Catholics in England and Wales to mark the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq by praying for the Iraqi Christian community, which is "undergoing its own Calvary." "In the midst of continuing conflict and instability we should all reflect on the lessons that need to be learned and ask how we can contribute to creating a better future for Iraq," said Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth, England, chairman of the Department of International Affairs of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. "Above all, we need to remember the people of Iraq as they struggle to rebuild their country," he said March 18. "In particular, we ask you to hold in your prayers the Christian community." He said the plight of Iraqi Christians had been "brought home with terrible force" by the Feb. 29 abduction and subsequent killing of Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul, Iraq. "British military personnel, and the chaplains who accompany them, continue to serve with distinction, and they and their families are also in our prayers at this time," he said.

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