Dean’s plea for Christians cited during Iraq debate

An emotive address by the Dean of Derry, Rev. William Morton, on the plight of Christians in Iraq and Syria, was mentioned in dispatches during a debate in Stormont.

Dean Morton’s address at a special interdenominational Service of Reflection and Prayer at St Columb’s Cathedral was referred to by SDLP MLA Alban Maginness.

The Belfast MLA was speaking in support of a motion that the Assembly notes “with great concern the widespread persecution and genocide of the Christian minority community in Iraq and Syria.”

Mr Maginness said: “I refer to the remarks of the Dean of St Columb’s Cathedral in Derry, Dr William Morton.

“He quoted the Gospel of St Matthew. Quoting the words of Jesus, he said: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ‘This is the Gospel imperative of our Lord. We can’t ignore it. If we do, we do so at our peril.

‘That account in St Matthew goes on to relate how, in the final judgement, there will be the distinction made between those who responded when the need arose, and those who did not.’”

The Assembly called on Her Majesty’s Government to take immediate action within the international community to provide emergency aid and protection for this religious group.

The debate took place prior to MPs in Westminster voting overwhelmingly in favour of joining US-led air strikes against Islamic State.

Last month, speaking at the joint service with St Columba’s Church, Long Tower, which included input from the Roman Catholic Bishop of Derry, the Most Reverend Dr Donal McKeown, Dean Morton had said: “Wouldn’t it be unimaginable, when that day comes, to be considered to have let God down, that, when we are asked for an account of how we responded to the world’s poor and to those in need, we have nothing to show for ourselves?

“Please pray for these people, and, if you can, give what you can afford for their plight, and we will ensure that the money is sent securely and reaches those who will administer it in its totality to those in need.”

Meanwhile, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell was amongst 524 MPs who voted for air strikes against ISIL on Friday. Foyle MP Mark Durkan was amongst 43 MPs who voted against the action.

Outlining the DUP position, Nigel Dodds MP said: “We will be part of a coalition which includes Sunni Muslim states and there is a clear plan where we can make an effective difference for the better.

“The barbarism has has already targeted UK citizens and we must respond to that otherwise we will be failing our people. We wish our airmen and women well and wish them God speed.”

Mr Durkan said: “Whilst I can fully understand those who want to respond in a sharp way – especially given the nature of what IS has done and we know are capable of doing – I am still not convinced that these measures can be effective in the precision way that people claim.

“We have had all sorts of claims in the past about precision air strikes in Afghanistan and elsewhere which have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Indeed, the Israelis are supposed to have the sharpest technology available and look at how many innocent people they have killed in Gaza.”

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