Advertisement Pax ChristiICN Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Ireland joins #ChristianBells initiative in solidarity with persecuted Christians


Catholic bishops across the world will be ringing church bells in their dioceses at noon tomorrow on the Feast of the Assumption, in solidarity with persecuted Christians in the Middle East. Bishop John McAreavey, Bishop of Dromore and chair of the Council for Justice and Peace of the Irish Bishops' Conference, has invited parishes to support this important symbolic moment of solidarity and reflection.

Bishop McAreavey said: "Christians are now the world's most oppressed religious group, facing religious discrimination and persecution in over a hundred countries. Each year, thousands of Christians are being tortured and killed because of their faith. Yet the international community has been slow to recognise Christians as victims of religious persecution.

"The lack of protest at their treatment is truly shocking. In parts of the Middle East ravaged by conflict Christians have lost everything for their faith. Many have lost their lives. Those who remain face a terrifying and uncertain future.

"Tomorrow, on the Feast of the Assumption, the global silence on the persecution of Christians will be broken by the sound of church bells at midday. As Christians throughout the world gather to celebrate Mass on a Holy Day dedicated to Our Lady, it is appropriate that we pause to remember those who are suffering because of their faith. Our fellow bishops in Iraq have told Irish bishops how important spiritual solidarity and prayer are to them in their suffering. As Archbishop Petros Mouche of Mosul told us during his visit to Maynooth in June: 'With so many people praying for us, it reminds us that God cannot forget us'.

"On the Feast of the Assumption we pray to Our Lady for the protection of vulnerable and displaced populations in the Middle East. We pray for peace and healing for all those who suffer. I invite all parishes to join the 'Christian Bells' initiative, by ringing their local church bells for up to fifteen minutes, and thereby expressing solidarity with our fellow Christians suffering in the Middle. I also urge people to support this initiative on Facebook and on Twitter."

See the Christian Bells Facebook Page here: www.facebook.com/ChristiansBells?fref=ts

On Twitter use #ChristianBells

Adverts

The Archbishop Romero Trust

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon