Three churches damaged: one Syriac Orthodox, one Nestorian and one Chaldean
Baghdad (AsiaNews) -- "Two carbombs hit the Syriac Orthodox church of Dora and the Nestorian church of Saint Matthew; one of these two attacks affected a third, Chaldean church that was damaged by the explosion". The Chaldean Catholic Patriarch relays with profound sadness the news of yet another episode of violence against the Iraqi Christian community. Monsignor Emmanuel Delly is grateful that "there aren't any victims", but confirms the "considerable damages, crumbled walls and broken windows". Msgr Delly fears that episodes of violence against churches will increase. Despite a situation of general crisis and daily violence, he stresses the fundamental value of Christian forgiveness: "It is not up to us to take revenge for these acts. Christ taught us to forgive our enemies, so we must be Christians in practice, not just in name".
This is the rest of the interview granted by Msgr Delly to AsiaNews:
There has been an increase in violence these past days...
Yes, violence has increased. Furthermore, we must take care as there will likely be other similar episodes of violence. The entire population is afraid, because when a bomb explodes it makes no distinction and destroys everything within a radius of a kilometre. In any case, we are sure this cloud will pass and we entrust ourselves to the protection of Our Lady, that she may help us in this very difficult moment.
Is this latest violence connected to the government's behaviour?
The government wants the good of Iraqis and wants to fight terrorists. It is terrorists who come from outside the country who fight and spread violence in Iraq. There are people who want the good of Iraq, but what can they do when confronted with people who have no fear of God? They believe that military action is the best way to eliminate terrorists. I can't judge their work; I can only hope that violence comes quickly to an end.
Is there still room for optimism in Iraq?
Certainly, because we have the faith and support of the Lord. We must be optimistic because we want the good of our country and we must stay in Iraq to bring true peace. This is our faith and our hope.
What do you think of those who commit such acts of violence?
The Lord taught us to forgive, so I pray for them.
But what value does pardon have in the current reality?
The Lord knows better than we how to judge such people. It is not up to us to take revenge for such acts. Christ taught us to forgive our enemies, so we must be Christians in practice, not just in name. (DS)