Solidarity at the Service of All People in the Middle East, February 2017

Solidarity at the Service of All People in the Middle East, February 10, 2017

Statement issued by: USCCB leaders including Archbishop William Lori, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop Joe Vásquez, and Bishop Gregory Mansour.

Core Message

Christians in the Middle East need solidarity, and their presence is vital for the region. This concern extends to all people suffering violence and persecution—Muslims, Christians, and other minorities.

Key Points

• A USCCB delegation confirmed that atrocities by ISIS against Christians, Yezidis, Shia Muslims, and others in Syria and Iraq constitute genocide.
• Recognition of genocide is essential for healing and preventing future atrocities.
• Protecting minorities strengthens society as a whole.

Recommended U.S. Actions

• Refugee Resettlement: Accept a fair share of vulnerable families of all faiths, prioritizing victims of genocide.
• Rule of Law: Support Baghdad and Erbil governments to ensure equal citizenship, improve policing and judiciary, and encourage local self-governance (similar efforts needed in Syria).
• Humanitarian Aid: Provide generous assistance for refugees and displaced persons, funding trusted faith-based NGOs like Catholic Relief Services and Caritas to ensure aid reaches all communities.

2017-02-Solidarity-at-the-Service-of-All-People-in-the-Middle-East-Day-of-Prayer.pdf