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Bishop: Work must be done to keep Christians from leaving Iraq

Speaking to the SIR news agency, Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni of Baghdad said this week, “I am pleased to hear that some countries in the European Union have opened their doors to Iraqi Christian refugees, but it is also necessary to work so that Christians do not keep leaving Iraq,” reports Catholic News Agency.

Bishop Warduni warned, “There is a risk that there will no longer be any Christians in the country if we do not work to guarantee their security and stability, as with the rest of the population.”

“Now more than ever it is urgent to help the thousands of Christian refugees who are dispersed in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and other neighboring countries,” he said, adding that Iraqi Christian refugees could stay in European countries with the hope of returning to Iraq once the situation improves.

At the same time, Bishop Warduni sadi, “The international community and the Iraqi government need to do everything possible to provide security and stability to Christians in Iraq, as well as to the entire population affected by this war.”

“Its essential that Christians stay in the county and that those who have left can come back to their homes, their work and their loved ones,” he said.

[04/26/2008]

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