Lutheran Leader Condemns Kidnapping and Death of Iraqi Archbishop

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding
bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
ELCA) and president of the Lutheran World Federation
LWF), issued a March 19 message calling the kidnapping
and death of Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paulos Faraj
Rahho "a tragic act of violence." Rahho, 65, was abducted
Feb. 29 and his body was found March 13 in Mosul, Iraq.
"We extend our condolences to members of the
Chaldean Catholic Church and unite with people of faith
from every tradition who condemn not only this kidnapping
and death, but all acts of terror and extremism," Hanson
said.
Hanson said Rahho was recently quoted as saying,
"Everyone is suffering from this war irrespective of
religious affiliation, but in Mosul Christians face
starker choices."
"In the midst of this Holy Week, we pray for religious
tolerance and mutual respect of other faith traditions
throughout the world, and especially, we lift up the plight
of all people who are persecuted for their faith," Hanson
said.
"Resting in God's promised mercy, we lift up our
prayers for peace and hope," he said.
The LWF, based in Geneva, is a global communion of
more than 68.3 million Christians in 140 Lutheran churches
in 78 countries. The ELCA, an LWF member, is the fifth
largest Protestant church body in the United States with
4.8 million members.
-- -- --
Statement of Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson on the Death
of Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

In the midst of this Holy Week, we pray for religious
tolerance and mutual respect of other faith traditions
throughout the world, and especially, we lift up the
plight of all people who are persecuted for their faith.
We remember particularly the Chaldean community during
these days of loss, suffering, and mourning. The
kidnapping and death of Chaldean Catholic Archbishop
Paulos Faraj Rahho is a tragic act of violence. We
extend our condolences to members of the Chaldean
Catholic Church and unite with people of faith from
every tradition who condemn not only this kidnapping
and death, but all acts of terror and extremism.

Archbishop Rahho had recently shared with a Vatican
news agency: "Everyone is suffering from this war
irrespective of religious affiliation, but in Mosul
Christians face starker choices." During this sacred
week we remember our Lord's plea, "Father, forgive
them, for they know not what they do." Resting in
God's promised mercy, we lift up our prayers for peace
and hope. For all who experience suffering,
persecution, and death we pray, "Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy."

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
March 19, 2008

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog