Kidnapped archbishop had been a model of peace and reconciliation

Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

By DEBORAH GYAPONG
Canadian Catholic News
Ottawa

The kidnapped Iraqi archbishop, found dead March 13, was a model of inter-religious cooperation.

That's why CNEWA (Canadian Near East Welfare Association) Canada is urging Canadians to denounce the action and step up their support for Iraqi Christians.

CNEWA Canada chair Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast described Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul, Iraq, as "a man of faith committed to peace, justice and pluralism," according to a March 13 statement.

"I join Cardinal Patriarch Emmanuel III Delli, the Chaldean Church, all Christians in Iraq and all Iraqis in mourning the untimely death of a man of God, an apostle of dialogue and cooperation," Prendergast said.

"I invite the people of Canada and especially my fellow Catholics to continue to show their concern in this difficult hour for the Christians of Iraq," he said.

"To the extent that is possible, I encourage them to support CNEWA Canada's efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees, particularly Iraqi Christian families living in exile."

CNEWA Canada national secretary Carl Hetu described Rahho as "a gentle person, a person of peace. He was known for working with Sunni and Shi'ite leaders and making public statements," he said.

Hetu is concerned that extremists have sent a signal to all Christians in Iraq and "to anybody that wants to work towards peace," by targeting Christian leaders.

CNEWA, an agency of the Holy See, has provided support for the churches and peoples of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, India and Northeast Africa for the past 80 years.

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