Persecution of Christians and Religious Minorities in the Middle East
The prolonged persecution of Christians in Syria and other countries in the Middle East has resulted in the deaths of more than 200,000 people and displaced millions. Refugees are also escaping violence in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and Pakistan.
These individuals and families have been forced to flee the homeland they have occupied since Biblical times. Those persecuted have suffered enormously at the hands of terrorists, who target them simply for their faith. For Christian refugees, access to medical supplies and health services has also been cut off, putting their lives at risk. Innocent children have been deprived of a safe home, a good education, and nutritious food. "Genocide Against Christians in the Middle East" -- A report submitted to Secretary of State John Kerry by the Knights of Columbus on March 9, 2016
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White House Reveals ‘Game Changer’ for Persecuted Middle East Christians
Peter Jesserer Smith, National Catholic Register, October 26, 2017
The Church's Call for U.S. Financial AssistanceJust over a year ago, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the State Department all unanimously declared that ISIS was committing genocide against Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East. However, because of their status as “communities”, many of the most affected persons – an overwhelming number of whom are women and children, have still received none of the billions of dollars that are distributed around the world by our own government and by the U.N annually.
H.R. 390: “Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017”This bi-partisan legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), ensures emergency relief to some of the most vulnerable victims in some of the most decimated areas of the world. Most importantly, it also requires the U.S. government to direct a portion of the aid to specifically assist displaced individuals and families from communities of religious and ethnic minorities targeted for genocide.
Read the full text of H.R. 390: “Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017” |
Pastoral CareEducational TopicsResources & Referrals |
How You Can Help...
1. Pray ...that God provides his protection to Christians in the Middle East and to all refugees displaced by violence and persecution.
2. Urge. . . your Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to support H. R. 390 “Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017”.
3. Contact ...your local Catholic Charities or other refugee resettlement agency to find out how you can assist families build new lives of hope here in the U.S.
4. Donate
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" [I urge] all Catholics in the United States and others of good will to express openness and welcome to these refugees, who are escaping desperate situations in order to survive. Regardless of their religious affiliation or national origin, these refugees are all human persons—made in the image of God, bearing inherent dignity, and deserving our respect and care and protection by law from persecution."
Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, KY and Past President of the USCCB
Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, KY and Past President of the USCCB