The Middle East council of Churches follows with anxiety and soreness the news about the painful incident that occurred at the Syrian Catholic Church of the Lady of Salvation, in Baghdad, and has resulted in fifty two martyrs and sixty seven wounded.

The Middle East council of Churches condemns and denounces these regrettable acts that were perpetuated on defenseless Christians who were attacked while praying.

The Middle East council of Churches declares its solidarity with the Christians in Iraq and warns against depleting the country of its Christian inhabitants. These recurrence of these painful incidents and the attacks on the places of worship in Iraq since 2004 are considered a source of concern to the Christians in Iraq who are an essential components of this country’s national fabric and have been contributing to the building of their country and its civilization.

The Middle East council of Churches calls upon all the lovers of peace around the world to establish peace in the Middle East. The Council will look up to the strengthening the values of national unity and tolerance in the region.

The Middle East council of Churches appreciates highly the Islamic institutions which condemned that incident and stresses that the coexistence is crucial for the peace and stability in the world.