Iraqi Christians restrain their celebrations in protest against government ‘marginalisation’

Christians in Iraq observed Christmas with muted celebrations in protest over what they consider injustices by the government against the dwindling community.

The decision by leaders of the Chaldean Catholic Church, to which most Iraqi Christians belong, is also a mark of respect for the more than 100 people killed in a fire at a wedding in September, and of solidarity with Gaza, said Fr Nadheer Dako of St Joseph Cathedral in Baghdad.

In July, President Abdul Latif Rashid revoked a 2013 decree that recognised the Iraq-based Cardinal Louis Sako as leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church, allowing him to administer the community’s endowment. The presidency said the decree had no “constitutional or legal basis” as the president “only issues appointment decrees for employees of government institutions”.

Cardinal Sako considered the decision an attack against him, but Mr Rashid said the decision was “not intended to undermine the religious or legal stature of the cardinal”.

It came as Cardinal Sako and a Christian MP and militia leader, Rayan Al Kildani, accused each other of exploiting their position to illegally seize Christian-owned properties.

Last week, Mr Rashid revoked decrees recognising 10 bishops “instead of solving the crisis”, Fr Dako told The National.

“This is considered a marginalisation of the church and the Christian presence in Iraq.

The Church officials are expressing their discontent with the government’s stance.

“We hope that this denunciation in this peaceful way will be a message to the government and to the good people to reconsider their stance towards the Christians in Iraq.”

The Chaldean Patriarchate decided earlier this month to cancel all activities and celebrations for Christmas.

“Celebrations are limited to prayers for peace and stability in Iraq, the Holy Land, and the region,” the Patriarchate said.

“There used to be celebrations and parties in churches and public areas as well as social gatherings, but these were stopped this year,” Fr Dako said.

“So, we only did the prayers to God, away from any festive atmosphere.”