The United States Conferences of Catholic Bishops urged Congress on
Nov. 29 to pass a resolution condemning religious violence in Iraq, and
insisting on better protection for Christians and other minority faiths.
Two representatives of the conference, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of
Los Angeles and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany in New York, wrote to
the sponsors of House Resolution 1725, in their respective positions as
the national chairmen for migration and social justice. They commended
the seven sponsors of House Resolution 1725, and called for the act's
immediate passage.
Rep. Chris Smith (R – N.J.), a Catholic and an outspoken advocate for
international religious freedom, introduced the resolution along with
six co-sponsors from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
The
proposal follows a wave of attacks targeting Iraqi Christians this fall,
the worst of which left over 50 worshipers dead at Baghdad's Cathedral
of Our Lady of Salvation on Oct. 31.
Several Iraqi Christians now living in the U.S.--including a board
member of the international charity Iraqi Christians In Need, and a
former seminary professor of two priests killed at Our Lady of
Salvation– have told CNA that the government is not doing enough to stop
an epidemic of violence that has forced more than half of the country's
Christians to flee.
Although Rep. Smith voted in favor of the American invasion of Iraq
–which Pope John Paul II warned would destabilize the region and lead to
sectarian violence– he has also demonstrated a willingness to speak out
against cases of abuse or negligence by the ruling Iraqi government.
Last year, he co-sponsored a resolution condemning Iraqi security
forces' attacks on a group of Iranian refugees.
Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Hubbard praised Rep. Smith's introduction
of HR 1725, as a means to “focus attention on the situation of the
vulnerable religious communities in Iraq.”
They particularly appreciated
its call for a “comprehensive plan” to prevent religious persecution,
and to increase the representation of Christians and other minority
groups in Iraq's government.
The bishops described the attack at Our Lady of Salvation, along with
other assaults intended to drive Iraqi Christians from their homes and
businesses, as “horrific reminders of the appalling lack of security
that has condemned many in Iraq to live in fear.
” The resolution
expresses concern for Iraqi refugees, urging that barriers to their
resettlement or return be lifted.
“We sincerely hope that H. Res. 1725 will be adopted quickly by the
House of Representatives as we believe it will help improve security for
all Iraqis, especially Christians and other vulnerable minorities,” the
bishops wrote, noting that the resolution's proposals would help the
troubled country achieve peace and address its refugee crisis.
SIC: CNA/INT'L