Statement from the Anglican and Catholic Bishops in Auckland on Iraq

June 21st

2014

In a joint statement the Anglican Bishop and Catholic Bishop of Auckland have expressed their solidarity with the Iraqi community in the wake of the current outbreak of violence.

Anglican Bishop Ross Bay, and Catholic Bishop Pat Dunn, say:

"In solidarity with those whose lives and livelihoods are being placed at risk in Iraq, we express our deep sadness at the extreme violence of the current insurgency of troops affiliated with the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).

"Acknowledging the religious and political complexity which characterises Iraqi society, we hold in our prayers not only the Christian minority, but all Iraqi citizens whose greatest desire is for peaceful and just participation in the ordering of their country’s affairs.

"We offer our prayerful support for the Iraqi and other migrant communities within Aotearoa New Zealand, who have reason to fear for the safety of loved ones and those who share their faith and culture."

ends

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