“The international community must take immediate and decisive action to tackle the problems which are threatening the continuing Christian presence in Iraq,” said Neville Kyrke-Smith, national director of Aid to the Church in Need (UK).
Are we in a war? Yes. But what would Christ have us do? The only way He has pointed out to us is the non-violent way. It is the road less travelled, but it is the only way, said Bishop Matthew Kukah.
Abductions in the state have become “a big business” though some kidnappings are for religious reasons, – Rev John Joseph Hayab.
Christians in Iraq, who numbered 1.5 million before 2003, have declined by 90 per cent within a generation.
International reports on religious freedom confirm time and again that Christians are the most persecuted group, says ACN.
"Men and women of violence betray the deep desire of humanity the world over for a future of peace."
The victims were Ethiopians migrants attempting to escape poverty in their home country by making their way via Libya to Europe.
On a visit to region devastated by war, Archbishop Eamon Martin appeals to Christians to support Trócaire Christmas appeal which “eases people’s suffering and allows them to dream of brighter days ahead”.
“We state definitively that those who do not respect freedom of thought, conscience and religion must be held to account” – Chair of the Council for Justice and Peace of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Alan McGuckian.
“The Kurdish officials had assured us that they would not even look at the private [Catholic] schools, but they not only looked at them, they closed them.”
BBC Radio 5 Live described the visit to the 21 nuns at Stanbrook Abbey in North Yorkshire as part of taking listeners “to new places”.
It is “unbelievable that these persecuted Christians who come from the cradle of Christianity are being told there is no room at the inn, when the UK is offering a welcome to Islamists who persecute Christians.”
In many places in the Middle East multi-religious communities were the norm, but increasingly they are becoming mono-religious environments.
18-year-old suspect had been sitting in a pew during a crowded Sunday Mass when he suddenly got up and ran towards the altar.
Fr Momika, who is from Qaraqosh, noted how 6 August marked the exact two-year anniversary since ISIS attacked his hometown, driving out inhabitants who didn’t meet their demands to convert to Islam, pay a hefty tax or face death.
“At this time, our spirit is once more shaken by the sad news relating to the deplorable acts of terrorism and violence which have caused suffering and death.”
“The attack on Christians has been immense. Pray for their safety in this chaotic situation” - Chaldean Archbishop Bashar M. Warda told the UK-based Release International.
Pope Francis expresses horror and condemnation at act of senseless hatred and the dreadfully high number of innocent victims.
The crimes committed by ISIS include the rape of children, the killing by crucifixion of Christians and systematic violence against religious minorities.
Chaldean Catholic Bishop Antoine Audo of the Syrian city of Aleppo to speak at one of Rome's most famed tourist attractions about the plight of Christians.
Irish government urged to formally recognise genocide as criteria under the UN Convention have been met in Syria and Iraq: Aid to the Church in Need.
“The underlying religious dimension of the attacks was shown by the targeting of Christian settlements and desecration of churches": ACN.
Pontiff warns that abortion is an absolute evil but avoiding pregnancy isn't in particularly difficult circumstances such as Paul VI's authorisation to nuns threatened with rape.
"Our situation is hard, our future is gloomy, and people are tired. They are waiting for a solution whereby they can restore their dignity."
On a visit to Dublin 'Vicar of Baghdad' Canon Andrew White recounts persecution of Christians in Middle East.
The problem is that people love God but in a way that is not right." Some have a "possessive love for God: 'That is my God, not your God': Dr Mohammed Ali Shomali.
"If the West helps moderates in Syria in a direct way, it is helping ISIS in an indirect way.
Chaldean Catholic Church leader publishes prayer to mark first anniversary of ISIS’ overrunning of Christian villages on the Nineveh Plain in August 2014.
"Could anyone think of a sadder or more heart-rending way to celebrate your birthday than to attend the funeral of both of your parents?" - Fr Liam Devine.
“We priests are fully aware of the risks we run, but we cannot do otherwise than remain alongside the Syrian people, both Christians and Muslims.”
