"Church in Need" warned of dramatic consequences for Christians in the Middle East

The papal aid organization "Aid to the Church in Need" has warned of a further escalation of the conflict in light of the tense military situation in Iran and the adjacent regions. Florian Ripka, Managing Director of "Aid to the Church in Need" Germany, emphasized that a larger war could have catastrophic consequences for Christian communities in the Middle East. An expansion of hostilities would particularly hit hard those Christians who are already suffering under political pressure, economic hardship and social exclusion. This was reported by CNA. According to the aid organization, concern is growing among Christians also in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and the Holy Land. Many places had only gradually been rebuilt after years of devastation. New hostilities could now destroy this hard-won stability and trigger a new wave of emigration by Christians. This threatens centuries-old communities to disappear from the region permanently.

Despite the tense relations, church institutions remain active. Parishes, monasteries and charitable organizations provide food to those in need, operate educational institutions, grant refuge to refugees and work for reconciliation between population groups. "Aid to the Church in Need" therefore continues to appeal for prayer and support so that Christian communities in the Middle East can survive and continue to fulfill their social and spiritual tasks.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Catholic Church in Spain has established a department for Islamic dialogue.

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