Frank Wolf
The Layman
Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) once again went before the U.S. House of Representatives in an attempt to raise awareness of Christians and other religious minorities being targeted for extinction in Iraq.
Earlier this week, Wolf told fellow legislators that efforts of the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to drive Christians in Iraq from their homeland is “genocide” and a “crime against humanity,” and without immediate action the world will witness annihilation of an ancient faith community from the lands they have inhabited for centuries.
A Presbyterian, Wolf said it was not until last week when ISIS told the remaining Christians in Mosul to leave or die that the world took notice of what has been taking place.
Speaking on the House floor Friday, Wolf read the following statement released today by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, regarding the situation in Mosul:
“As the widespread violence and aggression facing Christians and minority groups in Mosul, Iraq, intensifies, it is increasingly evident that the fundamental right and freedom to practice one’s Faith and belief is, and continues to be, grossly violated.
“We are currently witnessing an unacceptable widespread implementation of extremist religious ideology that threatens the lives of all Iraqi’s who do not fit within its ever-narrowing perspective. While this situation stands to eradicate centuries of co-existence and culture in the region it also threatens to significantly and negatively impact these communities for generations to come. If left unchallenged, it is not Iraq alone that is at risk, but the potential is intensified for the replication of this ideology as a viable and legitimate model for others across the Middle East.
“As the situation escalates, little is being said in the worldwide community, and I am therefore appreciative of the recent comment by The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, and their Chairman, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, expressing its concern over the current situation in Mosul. Comments such as this have the potential to positively influence these and similar situations by challenging what is being taught, and presenting an alternative religious understanding.
“We continue to pray and advocate for all whose God-given right to freedom is denied, hoping that acceptance and respect for all is realised in these affected communities, and that grace, healing and strength will be given to those who continue to suffer great atrocities and the loss of precious human life.”
Wolf closed his remarks by saying, “the president, the Congress and other religious leaders all should speak out on the eradication of Christianity in Iraq.”
This was the third time this week Wolf has gone to floor of the House to speak out about the atrocities unfolding in Iraq. He also spoke on Tuesday and Thursday. Click here and here for Wolf’s earlier statements.
3 Comments. Leave new
deafening silence…like listening to chirping crickets in the dark.
while dozens respond to news about money, real estate, legal battles among so called Christians in the US.
this is surely the beginning of the end, as terrorists take over an entire country.
The silence is indeed not only deafening but also damning. When the Almighty judges the American church we will certainly be found to not just be desperately but the silence will damn us as complicit in the persecution promulgated against our brothers and sisters by the so-called “religion of peace.”
We own this problem, give these people sanctuary, then send the bill to bush-cheney the architects of this disaster.