Iraqi Catholics contribute to Samarra

ate: 2006-03-02

Iraqi Catholics Donate to Rebuild Samarra Mosque

Kirkuk Archbishop Tells of Act of Solidarity

KIRKUK, Iraq, MARCH 2, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Iraqi Catholics are taking up a
collection for the reconstruction of the destroyed Samarra mosque,
revealed Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk.

The gesture of solidarity comes in the wake of the Jan. 29 attacks against
two churches in Kirkuk, which claimed the lives of a 13-year-old acolyte,
Fadi Raad Elias, and other Catholics. Those attacks were linked to the
Western publication of cartoons depicting Mohammed.

"We are not facing civil war; it would be the end of Iraq and no one wants
this," said Archbishop Sako.

"Iraqis are aware that Saddam Hussein abused them," the Chaldean
archbishop added. "In particular, his regime killed many Shiites and these
people are now seeking vengeance for the injustices suffered up to a few
years ago."

Archbishop Sako told the Italian bishops' SIR news service that another
goal of Shiite violence, since the attack on the Shiite mosque in Samarra,
"is to obtain by force more posts in the government."

The archbishop said he believes that "it is necessary to be at the side of
our faithful to give them all possible support. I try to encourage them so
that they will not be discouraged. If someone wants us to abandon the
country, we will show that we are not afraid, that we are strong and that
we are profoundly tied to our country."

According to the prelate, "Religion has nothing to do with the killings" of
the last few days.

He said that he has visited "the Muslim leaders to express to them my
total solidarity over the destruction of the mosque of Samarra."

"I have confirmed once again that we Christians repudiate the attacks
against the people of Islam, as we consider abominable every crime
against any place of worship," Archbishop Sako said. "In our community
we are collecting money which we will contribute toward the mosque's
reconstruction."

I think think this is the way should be. Between community member must help each other. I think this was the prophet did when he was in Medina to the Jewish community and also when Omar bin khattab control Jerusalem. He guaranty the security on synagogues and churches. That means if there is muslim community destroy he will responsible to rebuild it. I think this also one reason that till now the church in Gaza strip still standing firmly and the Christian community there don't scared to the muslim there even with the Denmark cartoon issue.

However it doesn't mean mixing religions ("ritual ceremony") that is not allowed in Islam and I believe in Judaism and Christianity too.