SW News: Chaldean primate Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako has shared his reflection on one of the gravest issues facing the Christian community in Iraq-the mass exodus or “migration” of believers to other countries, especially Western nations. In his reflection that was published on the website of the patriarchate, the cardinal said that the very existence of the Chaldean community in the Middle East is being threatened.

Cardinal Sako underlined the factors responsible for migration, such as instability, and lack of democratic institutions. He said it is often the end result of painful choices that forces believers to distance themselves from their “land, family, society and culture”. The Chaldean patriarch also said that “absurd conflicts, wars caused by corruption and the absence of democracy, justice and equality” result in migration. Pointing to the scenario in Iraq, he said it is sectarian violence and the devastation unleashed by the Islamic State that triggered the mass exodus of Christians.

He underlined the importance of equal treatment under the law and flayed the quota system or reservation based on numbers. He stressed that the country should become a full-fledged democratic setup and that every citizen should be treated equally under the law or by the government.

The top prelate said that only if such changes are initiated Christians would feel compelled to stay in a Muslim-majority country or else they feel marginalized prompting them to migrate to the West. The Iraqi Christian community has been reduced to a third since the American invasion in 2003, dipping from almost one and a half million to less than 500,000.

Cardinal Sako has repeatedly appealed for a future that is built on the foundation of “guarantees” and a “common basis” drawn on by citizenship. The minorities will start a new beginning in this country only if the “social and political” essence is restored. He also stressed the importance of “educational commitment” which gives birth to “fundamental human values and moral principles such as brotherhood, love, and tolerance”.

Patriarch Sako stated that to build a strong nation a “common goal” and “common education” were required as these are the basis of coexistence based on “citizenship, equality, and justice.”

Finally, the cardinal concluded by warning Iraqi Christians, about having to face attacks, abuses, violations, and discrimination which, in some cases could potentially even change the entire demography of the village or lead to the abandonment of inherited goods and property. He appealed to the government and Church to analyze the issue and come up with legislation that ensures equality.