Head of Chaldean Church Visits UK to Discuss Christian Future in Iraq and Diaspora Concerns

His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and Babylon, is visiting the United Kingdom for the first time as part of an official pastoral mission. The visit, arranged with the support of the British charity Fellowship and Aid to the Christians of the East (FACE) and the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, includes meetings with church leaders, community members, Government officials, parliamentarians, and academics. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office extended the invitation, underscoring the significance of the visit for interfaith and intergovernmental dialogue.

The Patriarch’s itinerary includes pastoral visits to the Chaldean Mission in the UK and the Iraqi diaspora, alongside discussions on the challenges facing Christianity in Iraq and the broader Middle East. Concerns over insecurity, political instability, intercommunal conflict, corruption, and economic crisis have led to a decline in the Christian population, with many fleeing the country. The Chaldean Church advocates for a secular constitution that ensures equal rights and active participation for Christians in Iraqi political and social life.

The Patriarch has consistently emphasized the need for open dialogue among all communities to foster a pluralistic state that respects religious and ethnic diversity. The Synod of the Chaldean Church calls for a just and equitable society where all citizens, regardless of faith, are guaranteed security and fair representation. These principles reflect the Church’s commitment to justice and the common good, aligning with the biblical call to seek peace and uphold the rights of the vulnerable.

During his meetings in the UK, the Patriarch will address the future of the Chaldean Church in the diaspora and the broader challenges facing Christianity in Iraq. The visit highlights the Church’s ongoing efforts to advocate for its community both within and beyond Iraq. The Chaldean Church, a sui iuris church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, has seen its numbers in Iraq drop dramatically over the past three decades, from 1.5 million to approximately 200,000. Many have sought refuge abroad, contributing to a global diaspora that remains significant despite the decline in their homeland.

The Chaldean Church traces its origins to one of the oldest Christian traditions and continues to play a vital role in the global Christian community. While the number of Chaldeans in Iraq has dwindled, the community remains active in various countries, including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and across Europe, North America, and Australia. The Patriarch’s visit underscores the Church’s enduring presence and its commitment to preserving its heritage and mission in an ever-changing world.

Source: Read the original report