Iraq

I just had to give voice to my dismay over the horrific violence vented against Christians in Baghdad on October 31st.

This violence comes so soon after the recently concluded mid-east Synod in Rome, and the exquisitely beautiful plea of the Synod Bishops from Iraq, et alia for a new era of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

Those Syrian Christians who were targeted have a long history of endurance as an oppressed minority in that region. True martyrs of the faith whose costly witness to Christ should call us to deeper conversion. The martyrdom of two priests in 06 & 08 especially symbolized this cost for Iraqi Christians. But see this extraordinary Muslim's response to the senseless violence.

But there are signs of hope even in such tragedy.

The US Bishops have made a statement in solidarity with the Iraqi Christians, with a call to action.

I encourage all to respond in support of our brothers and sisters in Christ with prayer and advocacy.