WASHINGTON, D.C., DEC. 1, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops are commending a resolution in the House of Representatives that condemns the recent attacks on Iraqi Christians and calls for protection of religious minorities.
A press release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reported that this resolution urges the U.S. government to work with Iraqi authorities to protect these minorities.
Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, New York, chairman of conference’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Archbishop José Gómez, coadjutor archbishop of Los Angeles and chairman of the Committee on Migration, wrote a Nov. 29 letter to congressmen urging the passage of House Resolution 1725.
This resolution was introduced Nov. 18 by Chris Smith.
The bishops expressed support for the resolution’s emphasis «on developing a comprehensive plan to improve security for religious minorities and to increase their representation in the government of Iraq and to include them in all aspects of Iraqi society.»
The prelates also expressed support for the resolution’s condemnation of the Oct. 31 attack on the Syrian Catholic Church of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad that left 58 dead.
They noted that this attack, as well as «the continuing violence against Christians are horrific reminders of the appalling lack of security that has condemned many in Iraq to live in fear.»
The bishops stated, «We sincerely hope that H. Res. 1725 will be adopted quickly by the House of Representatives as we believe it will help improve security for all Iraqis, especially Christians and other vulnerable minorities.»
They added, «We hope it will contribute to the overall goal of achieving a ‘responsible transition’ that will reduce further loss of life and address the refugee crisis in Iraq.»
