"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.