London, July 2014. The Syriac Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has informed the Chancery of the Constantinian Order in Great Britain of a demonstration in support of the displaced Iraqi Christians. The Iraqi Christian communities in the United Kingdom and their churches are organising a solidarity stand for the victimised Iraqi Christians in London on Saturday 26 July 2014 with the support of many Eastern and Western Churches and various Christian organisations and charities in the United Kingdom.
The assembly will start at 11:30am near Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1 and later move from the assembly point to stand in solidarity outside the Parliament building for a period of time followed by a march towards 10 Downing Street.
For those members or friends who wish to receive further information, please contact The Syriac Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom by telephone at 020 8749 5834.
In a separate message, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has also made a statement regarding the situation in Mosul, Iraq which can be read below and also on their website.
“As the widespread violence and aggression facing Christians and minority groups in Mosul, Iraq, intensifies, it is increasingly evident that the fundamental right and freedom to practice one’s Faith and belief is, and continues to be, grossly violated.
We are currently witnessing an unacceptable widespread implementation of extremist religious ideology that threatens the lives of all Iraqi’s who do not fit within its ever-narrowing perspective. While this situation stands to eradicate centuries of co-existence and culture in the region it also threatens to significantly and negatively impact these communities for generations to come. If left unchallenged, it is not Iraq alone that is at risk, but the potential is intensified for the replication of this ideology as a viable and legitimate model for others across the Middle East.
As the situation escalates, little is being said in the worldwide community, and I am therefore appreciative of the recent comment by The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, and their Chairman, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, expressing its concern over the current situation in Mosul. Comments such as this have the potential to positively influence these and similar situations by challenging what is being taught, and presenting an alternative religious understanding.
We continue to pray and advocate for all whose God-given right to freedom is denied, hoping that acceptance and respect for all is realised in these affected communities, and that grace, healing and strength will be given to those who continue to suffer great atrocities and the loss of precious human life.”