It’s good that the Catholic Middle Eastern synod will cover issues such as Islamic fundamentalism, the rampant rise of Christian persecution and issues surrounding the general fear and perplexity that so pervades the Christian communities in the Middle East currently.
I’ll pull no punches, I believe that there is a systematic, coordinated and deliberate attempt by factions of the Islamic world to ‘cleanse’ their nations of Christians and Jews. Every single morning, as I read the incoming news relating to Christians in Islamic controlled lands, it becomes progressively more harrowing. To give you an example, if you have the stomach for it, here is a very small snippet from this morning:-
Asia News: Iraq Mosul: targeted execution of Christians continues in media and government silence. Yesterday an armed group killed a 45 year-old businessman. It is the second murder in less than 24 hours. Witnesses said security forces were at the scene but did not intervene. AsiaNews sources: they blame al Qaeda, but Christians are victims “of the power struggle” between Arabs and Kurds.
Regarding the bodies of the eight Copts who were recently massacred on the Coptic Christmas Eve and in view of the confidential information including published photographs just received, Voice of the Copts strongly believes that organs belonging to the victims were illegally exported.
I could go on, but I’ll stop there, as I’m sure this is enough to put you off your breakfast.
As I said above, it is good that the Catholic synod will discuss these issues, but in all honesty what on earth can they do about it? They must be as frustrated as me at the lack of interest on this issue inside the Western mainstream media. There is no public outcry, there are no consequences, there is just a deafening silence, as Christians are slaughtered every day within the Islamic empire.
To compound this frustration is the lack of condemnation from the Islamic world itself:-
Coptic Christians of Egypt Massacred, President Mubarek Silent
The Washington Post
Islamic fundamentalism to be topic at Vatican synod
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – A Vatican meeting of Roman Catholic bishops from the Middle East next October will discuss Islamic fundamentalism and attacks on Christians in the region, a preparatory document said.
The issue appeared several times in the responses by bishops to Vatican questions in preparation for the October 10-24 synod of prelates from the region who will hold discussions with Pope Benedict and Vatican officials.
In part of a 30-page preparatory document issued by the Vatican on Tuesday, bishops said the growth of the Internet had helped the spread of radical groups.
“In response to this situation (growth of the Internet), Islamic fundamentalist groups are becoming widespread,” the document said.
In an apparent reference to countries such as Saudi Arabia, it said the application of Sharia law in the public and private spheres in Islamic states “always constitutes discrimination and, therefore a violation of a person’s human rights”.
The document also expressed fears of more attacks against the dwindling number of Christians in the Middle East.
“With the rise of Islamism, incidents against Christians are increasing almost everywhere,” it said.
And Catholic Online
Churches of the Middle East: Witnesses of Jesus in a World with More Shadows than Lights
VATICAN CITY (AsiaNews) – Minorities in countries that do not understand, and do not accept religious freedom, divided therein, by a “wavering and perplexed” faith, Christians in the Middle East must rediscover their role as “witnesses” of Jesus, by promoting dialogue between Jews and Muslims, respect for human rights and peace, that are vital for the region. They must also abandon the temptations of ” self-preoccupation and fear of others”.
This is the future perspective outlined in the working document, the “Lineamenta”, for the Special Synod for the Middle East, which will be held 10 to 24 October 2010, presented today at the Vatican.
The 28 page document – entitled “The Catholic Church in the Middle East: communion and witness,” was drafted by a pre-synodale council composed by seven patriarchs, two presidents of Episcopal conferences and four department heads of the Roman Curia.
It is an analysis, point by point, of the reality in which Christians in the region live and the prospects for their continued presence. Each chapter ends with a series of questions put forward for the reflection of the “synod fathers”.
The political and social framework that is outlined has decidedly more shadows than lights. “The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories makes everyday life, freedom of movement, economic and religious life difficult”; “the war in Iraq has unleashed forces of evil” and “Christians are among the main victims of the Iraqi community because they are the smallest and weakest”.
In Lebanon, “Christians are deeply divided along political and confessional lines, and nobody has a project that may be accepted by all”, in Egypt,”the growth of political Islam on the one hand and disengagement of the Christians in civil society expose them to intolerance, inequality and injustice “, in Turkey, “the current concept of secularism continues to pose problems for the religious freedom of the country”.
All this in a general framework that on the one hand sees the growth of political Islam and on the other the disinterest of world. The first, in a region where the majority is largely Muslim, “sees the cause of all evils in the distancing of Islam”. “The solution, therefore, is a return of the origins of Islam”. “To do that some do not hesitate to resort to violence.” “These extremist currents are a threat to everyone, Christians and Muslims, and we must face them together.” As for the second, “the game of international politics, often ignores the existence of Christians”.
Further aggravating the picture is the fact that “too often our countries identify the West with Christianity,” for which “the political choices of Western states are ascribed to the Christian faith”. “This confusion, which is explained by the fact that the Muslim world does not distinguish easily between politics and religion, greatly harms the churches of the region” and “puts Christians in the delicate situation of non-citizens.”
The confusion between politics and religion also leads to the prohibition by the state legal systems of the conversion to a religion other than Islam. “Religious freedom and that of conscience, are unknown in the Muslim mentality”. “In Islam there is no secularism, except Turkey; Islam is, in general, the state religion, the main source of legislation, inspired by Sharia”.
As for the other great faith in the region, “Given the political situation of conflict between the Palestinians and the Arab world on the one hand and the State of Israel on the other, dialogue is poorly developed in the churches of the region. Relations with Judaism are the of prerogative of the Churches of Jerusalem”. However, there are “many associations of Jewish-Christian dialogue.”
“On the theological level is appropriate to explain to our faithful the religious bonds between Judaism and Christianity, based on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, to avoid the political ideologies that undermine that relationship”. As for the political issue proper, “it is up to us, as Christians, to encourage all peaceful means which could lead to peace through justice.”
This is the “outside” reality in which the churches live, all the many churches (the Catholic churches alone are seven) in the region. One of the first issues, then, is coexistence and cooperation among Christians. “Relations are generally good and friendly” even if there are “some difficulties” of a pastoral nature, like the claim of some churches that in case of mixed marriage insist on baptising the Catholic partner again or “insurmountable difficulties” that oppose the unification of dates for the celebration of Christmas and Easter or the “difficult relationships” in the Holy Places. Nevertheless, “The ecumenical dimension is fundamental if the Christian witness is to be genuine and credible.”
“Witness” is the answer proposed by the “Lineamenta”. It calls for “a personal conversion of Christians, starting with the pastors, through a return to the spirit of the Gospel.” The Churches of the Middle East “are active: there are numerous projects, many movements of young people, many educational institutions and charities, etc.. Sometimes these activities are professionally effective, but they are not always a witness. ”
In conclusion, “our current situation and rather reduced presence is a consequence of history. But we, with our behavior, can improve our present and even our future. On the one hand, the global policies are a factor that will affect our decision to remain in our country or to emigrate. One the other, the acceptance of our vocation as Christians in and for our society will be a major factor of our presence and witness in our countries. “
Zenit
In regions where Christians are considered non-citizens, a witness to Christ and Gospel values is essential, not only for a present renewal but also for a better future.
This was the suggestion made today by the secretary-general of the synod of bishops, Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, in a press conference to present the outline of the October synod on the Middle East.
The three-chapter document considers the aim of the synod and, as is customary, offers questions for consideration that will be used to prepare the synod’s working document.
One of the key issues taken up in the lineamenta, according to Archbishop Eterovic, is the relationship with Islam.
“Sadly, because of the lack of distinction between religion and politics, in practice Christians are often considered in a position of non-citizenship,” he said. In this context, it is necessary “to be witnesses of Christ and of the values of the Gospel in all sectors of personal, family and public life. Hence, “the testimony of life of Christians as leaven of a renewed society is essential for the present and future of the Middle East.”
Exodus
The document also looks at the ongoing problem of a Christian exodus from the Holy Land.
Archbishop Eterovic noted how this exodus results in a weakening of the whole society.
Christians in this part of the world “support with their prayer and concrete aid endeavors their brethren of the Middle East, cradle of Christianity, as also of the other two monotheistic religions: Judaism and Islam,” he affirmed.
And besides prayer and charity, the prelate contended that Christianity has another contribution for the conflict-plagued region: hope.
“Christian hope, born in the Holy Land, has encouraged the faithful for 2,000 years,” he said. “Also today, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges, it continues to be, for Christians and men of good will, an inexhaustible source of faith, charity and the joy of being witnesses of the risen Lord Jesus, present in the midst of the community of his disciples.”
Voice of the Copts have picked up on this and have posted a very apt piece, which I agree with, and I have also previously posted on the Palestinian Christian plight under Islamic rule; here and here:-
The Christian exodus from PA-controlled territories continues, religious freedom under Moslem control is not expected – yet the Vatican issues a document blaming the “occupation.”
