Laity participate for first time in Chaldean Catholic Church synod in Ainkawa, Iraq

The Chaldean Catholic Church held a weeklong synod in Ainkawa, a Christian community within the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, where laity from various dioceses in the Middle East and the diaspora participated for the first time. The synod, which took place Aug. 4-10, was convened at the invitation of Cardinal Louis Sako, the church’s patriarch. Participants included church leaders and parishioners from Iraq, the United States, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Cardinal Sako emphasized the importance of involving lay members in the church’s decision-making processes, stating that their participation is vital during a challenging period in the church’s history. He described the laity as “members and partners of our church because of their faith and their common priesthood,” and highlighted the need to harness their “charisma” in serving the church amid the hardships faced by Iraqi Christians in regions like Mosul and the Ninevah Plain.

The synod addressed the complex situation of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the diaspora, including the struggles of displacement, violence, and the uncertainty of the future. Cardinal Sako urged the church to “plant hope, joy and peace” in the hearts of those they serve, stressing the importance of respect and positive relationships. He called for a path of “evangelical conversion” that encompasses all aspects of faith and service.

Chaldean Archbishop Yousif Thomas Mirkis of Kirkuk, Iraq, noted that the involvement of laypeople during two days of the synod, Aug. 6-7, was a “good experience.” He expressed hope that this participation would serve as a starting point for greater lay involvement in the future. The 16 laypersons who attended included four lay women, such as Sister Maryam Yalda Shabo, who represented the patriarchal orders in Iraq.

Discussions during the synod focused on liturgy, prayers, and the translation of languages used in the diaspora for worship. Bishops will also be appointed for key towns in northern Iraq, particularly in Kurdish areas experiencing growth due to the displacement of Christians. These appointments aim to address the evolving needs of the community.

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