Bishop George's Lent Appeal 2009
St George's Baghdad
As conflict continues in the Middle East our thoughts and prayers are naturally with the innocent victims of war. This Lent, as we prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter, is an opportunity for us to help those caught in the midst of conflict.
I was moved to hear of the work of one of the oldest Anglican churches in the world where amazing work is being done to help the local people who have suffered and continue to struggle for survival in the middle of a war zone in Baghdad. St George's Baghdad is the only Anglican Church left standing in Iraq, but it is also booming.
In a letter from the Anglican Chaplain to Iraq, the Revd Canon Andrew White, who runs the church, I've heard that the church now has 2,000 members and a children's church of over 500. In fact there are so many people; they now have to choose whether to come to church on Saturday or Sunday, as they simply can't fit everyone in! Although the church is growing, it is also facing dangers. Last year 93 church members were killed. Providing security and caring for the growing congregation is financially demanding for St George's and the church is also helping provide practically for its local community with food, clothing and health-care. A new clinic set up within the church now has three doctors and three dentists who care and treat vast numbers of people each day free of charge. They care for everyone, regardless of faith, and the majority of their patients are Muslim.
As we join in partnership with Christians across the world, supporting the work of St George's Baghdad is just one way we can make a practical difference in what has been described as 'one of the most dangerous parishes in the world'. Please take time to read more about the church and the work of Andrew White and consider giving towards my Lent appeal this year which will support and encourage young Christians of all ages, to shine as lights in a very dark situation.
+George
Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham
St George's Baghdad
St George's, Baghdad is situated on Haifa Street in the 'Red Zone' of Baghdad and is the only active Anglican Church in Iraq. Its vibrant congregation of over 2000 Iraqi Christians is led by their Vicar, Canon Andrew White. Support is desperately needed for this strong and vital, but extremely vulnerable Church.
Supporting the Christian community and other 'minority groups' in Iraq is very important; minorities are caught in the middle of the dreadful sectarian conflict and are under huge pressure to flee. Over half the pre-2003 Christian population has already been forced to move on. Most of the congregation is in desperate need of spiritual and material support. Every week the church provides food for the congregation; many other needs are also met including medical, housing and schooling needs. Canon Andrew White has such love for these people and has learnt from them the wonder of worshipping God despite and amongst great tragedy - in this they often sense the Glory of God as they meet together.
A congregation under threat
The security situation in Iraq continues to affect the congregation and currently several armed guards keep watch over the building and safeguard during services. A bus collects most members and brings them to the church hoping to avoid the threat of kidnapping. Despite preventive efforts, the reality of violence remains. Several weeks ago a potential suicide bomber came into the church but was removed by security before the bombs exploded. More recently, there was a bomb outside the church killing four people. The US Army has now surrounded the church with huge concrete barriers and announced that everybody who comes in must be searched.
Tragically, in September 2005 all of the lay church leaders were kidnapped and killed, yet despite the loss, the congregation continues to grow. It is a most wonderful gathering of people from many different backgrounds. The church members keep in good heart and continue to develop as a church body, proving that persecution and violence can never stop the spread of the good news of Christ.
Following the death of the initial leadership, a new team has been established in which women are playing a central role. Despite all the difficulties, the church continues to expand and grow. A branch of the Mothers' Union was established on Easter Day of 2006 and many other services are continually offered for the congregation.
"A people who have lost everything and realise that Jesus is everything… people do not just come to church to worship... They come here to get their food, clothes, blankets, health care and to meet their friends"
Baghdad Clinic
Five years after the war began many Iraqis do not have access to the most basic health care. There is a lack of qualified staff as many died or fled the country. Many hospitals and health care facilities have not been properly maintained. Because of poor security conditions in much of the country, the sick and injured are often cut off from access to medical services. Many lives are lost and disability increased because prompt, appropriate and sufficient medical care in not available.
Because of this St George's has given some of its precious Church space over to be transformed into a small dental and medical centre. Many of the congregation suffers from poor health due to poor conditions as do the surrounding community. It is hoped that this new health care facility will offer them relief and help. The clinic also offers much needed employment for the area. With a heart of reconciliation, health professionals who are Jewish, Christian and Muslim are serving all faiths together as they provide care for all communities.
Making Donations
Cheques should be made payable to: Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance and sent no later than 1st May 2009 to: The Finance Office, Dunham House, Westgate, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0JL (please mark cheques 'Lent Appeal 2009').
For further details on St George's, Baghdad, please see the website which supports its work www.frrme.org
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