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19 July 2024

The Synod of the Chaldean Church held its regular annual meetings from July 15-19, 2024, under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Louis Raphael Card. Sako, at the Patriarchal Headquarters in Al-Mansour / Baghdad.

Synod Fathers sent a letter to His Holiness Pope Francis, requesting his paternal blessing and his prayers for a fruitful Synod’s discussions for the well-being of the Church and the country.

After the opening address, Synod Fathers went through items listed in their agenda, in an atmosphere of familiarity, democracy, and fellowship, that enabled them to shed the light on few things and made some decisions, such as:

1- Gratitude to the Prime Minister

Since the Synod was held right after His Beatitude’s return to his official Patriarchal Headquarters in Baghdad, the Chaldean Bishops appreciated and expressed their gratefulness for the legal and courageous initiative of the Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, by issuing a decree confirming the designation of Patriarch Sako as a Head of the Chaldean Church, and being in charge of its endowments.

Moreover, the Patriarch and Bishops expressed their hope that the government, along with official and political parties, would take concrete steps in building peace and stability by implementing law and justice; restoring national unity; strengthening the concept of citizenship; and providing adequate public services to ensure a decent life for all citizens. Also, by giving priority to Iraqi people interests rather than that of any “limited” sectarian interests.

His Beatitude, along with the Synod Fathers, visited His Excellency the Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, on Thursday evening, July 18, 2024. He welcomed them and participated in a friendly conversation about the general national concern of Christians.

2-Agony of Christians

Our authentic Christian people (rooted in this land) have suffered a lot in the past two decades from the deprivation of their rights, marginalization, exclusion, and the acquisition of their property and assets, which forced many of them to emigrate searching for a better environment. Therefore, we call upon our esteemed government to be fair in treasuring them through: building confidence, enhancing national cooperation, and benefiting from their skills in developing this country. We also demand that their rights be fully respected as citizens with equal representation and employment, and we refuse the seizure of their properties through the “exclusivity” of any political party.

3- The War in the Holy Land and its Consequences on the Region

Chaldean Synod Bishops expressed their deep concern about the international conflicts and wars taking place in the Middle East, especially the Holy Land. They condemned violence in all its forms and call the international community to protect and affirm peace always, by making a decision to end the destructive war on people and stones immediately. They believe that the best solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is to establish two neighboring states that live in peace, security, stability, and mutual trust.

4- The Future of Oriental Christians

Regarding this issue, Synod Bishops renew Patriarch Sako’s call for unity and solidarity. The main thing that should unite us is our faith and our land. We are committed to each other and to our common destiny with other citizens of the regional countries; concerning about public issues, citizen’s worries, rights and requirements for a decent life. We express our fraternal sympathy with Bishops of neighboring countries, stressing that the Church needs a new vision about the future as much as we need courageous practical steps, to stabilize Christians in their land, preserving their identity, also to enhance their role and presence.

Unity is our strength and salvation. Despite the wounds, we continue to love our countries and our citizens, and we would like to cooperate with them in spreading a culture of coexistence, respecting the differences of others, and consolidating hope, within a fair and civil society.