Document
Letter to H.H. Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of
Antioch and All the East, 17 October, 2006
Your Holiness,
The World Council of Churches is thankful to the Archbishop of Jazirah and
Euphrates, Eusthasius Matta Roham, for sharing the news of the tragic death of
Father Boulos Iskander. The Council is appalled by the circumstances in which
the killing of an innocent servant of God was carried out. The incident reflects
the depravity to which the situation in Mosul has deteriorated. The killing of Fr
Boulos is a senseless crime that cannot be justified in any circumstances. It neither
benefits anyone nor does it promote the cause of any religion. The World
Council of Churches has always been an advocate of tolerance and remains committed
to inter-religious harmony.
Such a heinous crime makes it obligatory on all Iraqis of good will who, we
are certain, are many that such an incident is not allowed to take place in the
future. It brings a bad name to the country. The Iraqi police and the coalition
forces who are there to maintain law and order must ensure that every possible
step is taken to secure the safety and protection of all human lives in Iraq.
The World Council of Churches calls on its members in the Middle East as
well as in the other regions to remember Fr Boulos Iskander and his family in
their prayers.
We ask Your Holiness to please convey our condolences to the family of the
bereaved.
Yours in Christ,
Clement John
Acting Director
