Next Wednesday, there's going to be an action in Iraq that, you can be sure, will be noted by Iraqi Christianss who are refugees in other countries and those who were granted citizenship in other countries.
Aid to the Church in Need is one of the sponsors of the Global Day of Prayer for Peace -- The Feast of the Transfiguration.
An envoy/representative sent to a gathering in the US would make a real difference in how the White House is being seen on this issue currently.
Thursday, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes met with leaders of the Chaldean and Assyrian Community. As we noted in yesterday's snapshot, that's one step, it's nothing all by itself.
If the White House sends an envoy/rep to an American observance of the day, it needs to be someone more noted than Ben Rhodes. Great if Ben could go, show that there is commitment there. But it requires someone with more stature -- John Kerry is the obvious choice, after him Joe Biden. Even smarter would be for Barack to appoint former US President Jimmy Carter to some sort of envoy post or task force on this issue.
Thursday's meet-up was a step.
Here's Aid to the Church in Need's announcement on the Global Day of Prayer for Peace:
Aug. 6, 2014--Feast of the Transfiguration
“Please stop, I ask you with all my heart, it’s time to stop. Stop,
please.” Inspired by these words of Pope Francis (June 27, 2014), the
international pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need, united
with His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako, the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of
Iraq, appeals to all persons of good will to join in a Global Day of
Prayer for Peace to be held on August 6, 2014—the Feast of the
Transfiguration.
The feast of Transfiguration marks the moment when Jesus, on Mount Tabor, appears to three of his disciples in a state of glory, shortly before His ultimate trial on Calvary. This feast holds out a sign of hope for humanity: it is a source of courage when obstacles appear impossible to surmount; a sign that light is stronger than darkness; and testimony that death can turn into life.
Meant to be observed in churches and homes across the country, this Global Day of Prayer in the midst of so much suffering in Iraq—particularly for the ancient Christian community of Mosul—tells the world at large that US Christians have not forgotten and abandoned their suffering brothers and sisters.
Patriarch Sako has personally composed the Prayer for Peace:
Lord,
The plight of our country
is deep and the suffering of Christians
is severe and frightening.
Therefore, we ask you Lord
to spare our lives, and to grant us patience,
and courage to continue our witness of Christian values
with trust and hope.
Lord, peace is the foundation of life;
Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us
to live with each other without fear and anxiety,
and with dignity and joy.
Glory be to you forever.
The Patriarch also said: “Let us unite our voices and hearts before the Lord of peace. May the light of Tabor fill the hearts of all suffering people with consolation and hope. May the message of Tabor, through our prayers, inspire the leaders of Iraq to sacrifice personal interests for the common good and welfare.”
Please click here and join ACN's candle vigil for Iraq.
The e-mail address for this site is common_ills@yahoo.com.
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