Abduction of Syrian Archbishops Targets Eastern Christians, Says Iraqi Group
The Syriac Gathering Movement, a political party in Iraq, has condemned the kidnapping of Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim of Aleppo's Metropolitan of the Syriac Orthodox Church and Archbishop Paul Yazigi, of Aleppo's Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Church.
"The kidnap of the metropolitans is evidence that the presence of Christians in the East is targeted. It could threaten peace in Syria, as it could sow sedition in the country, undermining the peaceful coexistence between different parties," the movement said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The statement demanded the kidnappers not compromise the archbishops' lives or dignities as they perform a great humanitarian role to serve all people.
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It called upon the United Nations and international organizations to put in place measures to prevent future abductions.
"We know very well that the role these bishops are playing in Aleppo is to encourage the Syrian Christians, and strengthen them to remain in their land," said Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, according to Christian ministry SAT-7.
