Document
The World Council of Churches is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul. The Council joins with all Christians in Iraq and around the world in grief. The death of Archbishop Paulos under the current circumstances of war and violence in Iraq is distressful for all who believe in peace and reconciliation. While the cause of his death remains unknown, his recent kidnapping reflects the continuing deterioration of the situation in Mosul and the ongoing struggle of the Iraqi people. The World Council of Churches calls on its members in the Middle East as well as in the other regions of the world to remember Archbishop Paulos and his family in their prayers and conveys its condolences to the family of the bereaved. When one part of the body of Christ is wounded, then all parts of Christ's body suffer as a result of it. We ask for all to pray for the people of Iraq, for the war to end and in particular for the Iraqi Christian community which has suffered deeply in the past few years.
Rev. Elenora Giddings Ivory
Programme Director
Public Witness and Global Advocacy
