"True democracy in Muslim countries only if Christians are equal citizens,” says
Archbishop Sako
(March 29, 2011) The catholic organisation “Aid to the Church in Need” held a
world conference in Würzburg, Germany recently on the situation of Christians in Muslim
counties. Many bishops from Egypt, Pakistan, Iraq and Nigeria and elsewhere took part
in the event. Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk, who also participated, expressed serious
concerns about how ‘Jasmine Revolutions’ were developing in many countries of North
Africa and the Middle East. The Chaldean prelate saw few signs of optimism in the
events now unfolding in Arab countries, like mass protests and popular unrest, which
have front-page in newscasts, newspapers and websites. The sight of crowds praying
or shouting slogans, gives the impression of a wave of extremism, he said. Archbishop
Sakol described the situation in Iraq, where, he said” for the past eight years we
have lived with different kinds of oppression. “We Christians are at a disadvantage
as we are socially and religiously discriminated. More than half of the country’s
Christians have left but others are leaving as well. The exodus is never-ending.
If Islamisation continues, there will be no Christians left. A million Christians
used to live here but now only 400,000 are left. He said Christians certainly respect
Muslims but Muslims must also recognise Christians as real citizens, not as second-class
citizens. There must be a clear and courageous decision by the state, as well as Muslim
authorities, said the archbishop. He issued an appeal to Muslim authorities saying
it necessary that Muslim religious leaders get involved in dialogue to build a multicultural
and multi-religious society and reduce inter-religious tensions and conflicts, so
as to build true coexistence.