Mgr Louis Sako, archbishop of
Kirkuk, has received an award for his fight for human rights in Iraq and
interreligious dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
The Stephanus
Foundation presented the award to the bishop in a ceremony held recently
in Frankfurt, at the St. George University of Theology.
The German
charity refers to the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) and
is distinguished by its commitment to the oppressed and persecuted in
the world.
It is the third prize for the Iraqi archbishop, after the
Defensor Fidei in 2008 and Pax Christi in 2010.
In his acceptance speech, Mgr. Sako stressed the importance of
Christian-Muslim dialogue, to strengthen peaceful coexistence between
the two communities and enhance the culture of diversity and mutual
respect.
He mentioned the need to increase the commitment to peace and
stability in Iraq and called on Christians in the Middle East - with
particular reference to Iraqis - to fill the role of pioneers and not
give in to pressure and violence.
The prelate also reiterated that Iraq
is the homeland of Christians and the need to find a "modus vivendi"
that helps achieve the objectives of peace, harmony and freedom.
The ceremony ended with an ecumenical prayer for peace, which was
attended by priests, local politicians and representatives of civil
society.
Archbishop Louis Sako, 62, has for years been in the forefront
of the battle in favour of interreligious dialogue between Christians
and Muslims in the defence of the Christian minority in the country,
often the victim of abuse and violence.
For his efforts he received the
coveted Pax Christi award in 2010 and Defensor Fidei prize in 2008.