Iraq War Pax Christi Action Unit

1. Form an affinity group around action against the war in Iraq. Educate yourself about the history of Iraq and U.S. involvement in the war and occupation. Some websites are http://www.vcnv.org or http://afsc.org.

2. Atttend the public speeches of political candidates or public fifgures who have supported or remained silent about the crimes of sanctions and war in Iraq. Ask question. Go with your affinity group.

3. Contact your elected representatives to ensure that no permanent ("enduring") U.S. military bases are constructed or troops left stationed in Iraq. Urge that the U.S. pay reparations for sufffering caused.

4. Call local media outlets to encourage accurate and comprehensive coverage of the war and its effects on the Iraqi people and U.S. soldiers.

5. Pray and act daily for peace.

 

CHRISTIANS OF IRAQ

(a request for involvement from Denis Como, S.J.)

Christians of Iraq can recount their historical origins as far back as the fourth century. Even in those early centuries they were tireless missionaries, bringing the knowledge of their faith and love of Christ to India, China, and Ethiopia.

The modern day Iraqi Christians in that same spirit, desire to find new ways to deepen the faith life of Iraqis both in Iraq as well as in the many nations they have emigrated to.

At the Jesuit Center in Amman, Jordan, we present courses of theology and spirituality. Many of our students are refugees from Iraq who teach and encourage the thousands of Iraqi Catholics here in Jordan, ways to deepen their faith. Some of our students will return to Iraq, others will emigrate to cities throughout the world. Wherever Iraqi Christians are struggling to "take root", they also search for ways to live their faith as deeply as possible.

Please continue to remember in your prayers our Iraqi brothers and sisters both in Iraq as well as here in Jordan.

Rev. Denis Como, S.J.

Send donations to:

The Amman Account
New England Province of the Society of Jesus
P. O. Box 9199
Watertown, Ma. 02471-9199

Fr. Denis Como - his correspondence with Pax Christi members and photographs are available for anyone interested in the life of his Chaldean Rite parish from ewn@well.com - has told us how much postcards with messages and prayers from U.S. parishioners mean to his people. He also welcomes messages that show appreciation for Iraqi culture. . We invite you to participate with other Pax Christi members in sending postcards and emails supporting and encouraging Iraqi refugee Chaldean Rite Catholics in Amman, Jordan. This is a simple project for parish and school groups, a way of reminding ourselves of and giving a human face to the real suffering of participants in war. Fr. Como suggests you add your name, parish or faith community and city to the postcard.

Emails to:

como@nol.com.jo

Postcards, collected and mailed in one envelope to:

Rev. Denis Como S.J.
Jesuit Center
PO Box 212074
Amman 11121
Jordan

Fr. Como is also asking for small donations for English language textbooks.

"I am not sure what the needs are for the Iraqi children in Iraq, but those who are here who may have to return to Iraq, USA ... need to be encouraged to study English. There is nothing here I could get that would help them but if I could get some children's books (that are geared for children whose first language is NOT English ...) it would be wonderful. We don't need a huge amount just enough to motivate the kids to "get ready" for a better tomorrow. If someone sends me money directly, I'll use it to purchase children's books in Arabic that are here in stores. Again, Iraqi refugee children aren't part of the educational system here so have access to NOTHING."

Pax Christi Pacific NW has acted on this plea as a group, but we're sure that Fr. Como would also welcome donations from individuals. Send these to:

Society of Jesus in New England

PO Box 799
Back Bay Annex
Boston MA
02117-0799

PLEASE WRITE "FOR FR. COMO, AMMAN ACCOUNT" ON THE CHECK

 

IRAQ

Resources for Prayer, Study and Action

Information on the above can be found on the Pax Christi USA website: www.paxchristiusa.org

WALK WITH NORTHWEST IRAQI COMMUNITY

We believe repeating some of our requests for help are especially important at this difficult time of chaos and suffering for the Iraqi people, those who live in Iraq, are refugees, are resident in the United States or are American citizens.

The Iraqi Community Center, based at the Southwest Community Center, needs volunteers to tutor Iraqi children in language arts and math. The address is:

10805 - 10th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98146.

Contact Yahy Al-Garib - 206-937-7680 if you are interested in volunteering.

Having a relationship with an Iraqi family gives a personal dimension to the political one.