COMMUNIQUE – The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem issued a statement in which they strongly condemns the persecution and displacement of Christians in Mosul, by the terrorists of the the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Daash or ISIS). Here is the full text:
We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches
in Jerusalem, are horrified and shocked by the persecution of
Christians in Syria and Iraq by the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and
Syria (ISIS), a militant Islamic group. We are especially alarmed by
the ill-treatment of Christians in Mosul, Iraq, who in the last 48 hours
were ordered by ISIS to leave their homes by noon on July 19, 2014, or
comply with their fanatic demands: convert to Islam; pay Jizya, a tax imposed on non-Muslim people; or die.
We strongly condemn this horrendous
behavior and call upon all governments, religious leaders, and peoples
of the region to denounce such crimes against humanity. We remind
everyone that diversity, tolerance and harmonious living together has
been the way of life for centuries in the Middle East, and is the
standard by which we maintain just societies. Moreover, we call upon all
to respect the dignity of every human being, as each person is made in
the image of God.
The tragic events of the recent days
will mean that, for the first time in the history of Iraq, Mosul is a
city without Christians. One of the most ancient homes of Christians in
the Middle East is today facing eradication by radicals who are
confiscating and destroying Christian homes, churches and properties.
The ISIS ultimatum given to Christians
to leave the city of Mosul or face the consequences is unacceptable and
we condemn it completely. We call upon all in authority to intervene
and stop this persecution, and to work to end all violent actions of
fanaticism, as they do not genuinely represent any religion or human
civilization.
+ Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem
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