Dear
Brothers,
I
am pleased to greet you all here at the opening of 2025 annual Synod and would
like to highlight the following important points related to the progress of our
Chaldean Church and Iraqi Christians in general.
Leadership
in the Church, is defined as spiritual stances, clear principles and values, as
well as harmonic actions. Keeping in mind, that priesthood credibility should
flow from our conscience; our ecclesial and moral responsibility; anticipations
that Church has placed on us; and the public pledge we made on the day of our
ordination. Therefore, I renew my call upon all fathers of the Synod to respect
Synod’s decisions and find effective means to implement them in their dioceses
as a sign of unity and episcopal collegiality.
The
Synod is an Opportunity for Self-Examination, renewal, and strengthening of our
affiliation with Christ and his Church, so that we may grow together. Hence, we
dedicated the first morning of the Synod to prayer, reflection, and
discernment.
The
Church’s Missionary Task has been initiated by apostles (characterized by
individual charisma) since the beginning of Christianity. This motivation must
be firmly rooted in us, so that people may come to know God and Christ by all
means. We must commit to a path of renewal in methods of catechesis, preaching,
and liturgy so that they go in parallel with cultural and social changes in
order to match the expectations of our communities in diaspora, while
preserving authenticity and identity. We must also reflect on our mission
toward the Muslims (majority) among whom we live.
Ongoing
Formation of the Clergy must be comprehensive, solid, and sustainable so that
they can fulfill their pastoral mission in the best possible way under these
difficult circumstances. The annual spiritual retreat organized by the
Patriarchate is not sufficient; each bishop must follow the formation of his
clergy in faith and pastoral practice with the spirit of a loving father, wise
and open-minded teacher, always remembering that we are fathers and not merely
holders of authority. The true value of our authority is measured by the
sincere service we provide in faith, love, and fidelity, following the example
of Jesus Christ who was servant of all.
The
Crisis of Vocations does not stem from the absence of young people willing to
dedicate themselves, but from the toxic atmosphere that dominates currently
through social media. They often suffer from psychological instability. On the
other hand, criticism among clergy discourage them. We must care for vocations
and nurture them with prudence. It is wise to scrutinize candidates for
priestly and episcopal ordination, in terms of theological, spiritual,
administrative, pastoral, and canonical competence, which ensures transparency,
credibility, and success. Unfortunately, we receive complaints from time to
time.
Relations
with Other Churches. The current problem is not new; it might be a result of
the absence of a sincere will for working as a team, while respecting the
privacy of each partner. I have tried to bring Churches closer and have invited
them frequently to get together, but such meetings did not taken place due to,
either their political loyalties, or fear of losing influence if they joined
us. Relationships must arise from sincere intent, not formalities; they must promote
genuine joint work. This requires, openness, attentive listening, and rational
dialogue. Recently I met with Their Holiness: Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II
Karim, His Holiness Mar Awa III Royel, and His Beatitude Patriarch Yousef III
Younan; I hope this will be a promising beginning.
Relations
with Muslim Authorities are very good in Iraq. Our presence is effective in
strengthening hope, and our witness is clear and fearless. We are committed to
a life-long dialogue, relied on the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on
relations with non-Christian religions, Nostra Aetate, which we celebrated its
65th anniversary earlier this year. We have advanced considerably by organizing
many meetings on mutual interest issues, and we have been able to dismantle
speeches of hatred, that has been concluded on the visit of Pope Francis from
5–8 March 2021, leaving a good impression on everyone for his personal
simplicity, humility, credibility, and addresses. In spite of suspending some
activities during COVID-19 pandemic period, we continued our visits and
communications right after.
Relationship
with the Government and Engagement with Politics. It is not true when some
people accused the Patriarchate for interfering with politics. The Church, in
its hierarchical role toward its faithful and others, should seek to enlighten
consciences on issues that touch people’s lives, such as dignity and fundamental
rights. Church should denounce injustice, calls for applying law, towards the
realization of citizenship, in order to achieve peace and security. This is
what we have done and continue to do. This must be a vital priority for every
Church, as the Pope does at the universal level. Our Church has not enrolled in
any political party, and never been “bought” or accepted support from any
political faction. Our Church is defending and supporting civil order that
treats all citizens equally. We all need to understand that we are fighting for
our survival in the Middle East.
It
is true that our Church is poor in terms of finance, but it is strong and alive
in its faith and hope, trusting the Lord, despite many challenges. Our devoted
service and presence have been noticed in Iraq and abroad.
A
friend cardinal told me: Your Church is among the most Eastern Churches present
in society.
Our
Church can advance with greater dynamism, if it works in the spirit of one
united team.
I
thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon the Church through you,
for the love He has planted in your hearts, and for your self-giving service to
your flocks. I pray that God will reward all the faithful servants a
hundredfold (Luke 12:42).
†
Louis Raphael Card. Sako,
Patriarch
of the Chaldean Church
