By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
In response to the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities, the embattled Catholic population of Iraq is reacting with caution, keeping their children home from catechism classes and postponing First Communions indefinitely.
“People are worried and afraid for the future,” said the Chaldean archbishop of Kirkuk, Monsignor Louis Sako, to AsiaNews. “Yesterday, Christian families did not send their children to catechism classes for first communion, and neither will they in coming days. They are waiting to see what will happen, they have little confidence”.
The official withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq began on June 30 and should be completed by the end of 2011. Although the event was marked by celebrations throughout Iraq, concerns remain about keeping peace in a land where ethnic divisions run deep.
This is especially true for Christians. Since the US-led invasion in 2003, Iraqi Christians have been targeted by Islamist extremists who label them “crusaders” loyal to U.S. troops. Churches, priests and businesses owned by Christians have been attacked by Islamic militants, causing thousands to flee to neighboring Jordan and Syria. Just last year, the Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, Paulos Faraj Rahho, was kidnapped and murdered by extremists.
The situation has been so dire that some experts, such as Dr Suha Rassam, of Iraqi Christians In Need, believe Christianity in Iraq is doomed unless observers go underground to practice their faith.
“The only way for the Church in the Mosul area to survive might be if it goes underground, like it did in the first and second centuries,” Dr. Suha told the London Times Online shortly after the death of Archbishop Rahho. “This way, Mass and other services would be held in secret and priests go about their duties clandestinely.”
The Church has survived, but Iraqi Catholics remain nervous about the future.
“The people expect reconciliation among political factions, stability, construction, infrastructure projects and the return of refugees,” Msgr. Sako said. While he’s sure the government will work to stabilize the situation, he’s not sure how successful those efforts will be.
“I’m afraid of the negative influence of the neighbouring countries. The Iraqi army by itself is not yet able to protect order. This is compounded by ethnic divisions exacerbated over the years that have brought deep divisions between Sunnis, Shiites, Arabs, Turkmens, Kurds and even among Christians themselves.”
Meanwhile, the auxiliary bishop of Baghdad, Msgr. Sheimon Warduni, said there is “great hope” on the streets of the capital where people celebrated the withdrawal with fireworks.
“There is hope for a new era of national reconciliation and cooperation for the good of the entire country, not only personal interests.” He also confirms a general feeling of “fear,” but adds the “hope of the Iraqis to be able to maintain peace by themselves.”
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