God, not Obama will bring peace to the Middle East, says Jordanian bishop
Imprimir Incrementar tamaño de fuente Disminuir tamaño de fuente

Bishop Selim Sayegh

Amman, Jordan, Oct 9, 2009 / 02:25 pm (CNA).- The Vicar of Jordan, Most Rev. Selim Sayegh, spoke to CNA in Amman last week about the tensions in the Middle East as well as the diminishing number of Christians in the area.  He noted that Catholics can assist those struggling in the region by praying for peace because “true peace comes from the Lord,” not Obama, or Israeli/Palestinian leaders.

Sayegh, who has served Jordan as an auxiliary bishop for 27 years, addressed the plight of Christians in the Middle East, particularly the ones living in Iraq. He noted that the while the situation isn’t desperate, less Christians are living in the area than is considered ideal.

“Why,” the bishop asked, are not only Christians but also Muslims leaving the area?  “All of them, they are looking for peace…they want peace for their children,” he answered.

“Once peace is established into these countries...no one would think about leaving.”

He zeroed in on Iraq asking why anyone would leave – it’s “one of the richest countries in the world,” however “there is no hope.”

When Iraqi Christians leave, they go to Jordan or Syria, the vicar explained.  But, “for the most part, the Christians don’t intend to become established in Jordan,” but they only “stay until they can obtain a visa to the United States, Europe or Australia.”

“It’s a very sad situation,” the bishop lamented, explaining that many of the Iraqis were educated, economically well-off people in their country, but when they leave, all of a sudden, “poof, and they have nothing.”

Bishop Sayegh said that Catholics around the world can help improve the situation in the Middle East not only by being “good citizens,” but also by praying for peace.

“Pray for peace because true peace comes from the Lord, it doesn’t come from Obama or from Netanyahu or from Abu Mazen,” but rather from the “Lord of peace,” the bishop remarked.

Reflecting on Christians’ role in the peace process, Bishop Sayegh said that they have their place, but that they are called to play a role by living out the faith.  “That’s why every day in our churches we pray for peace,” since God is the only one who is “able to change the hearts” and to “arrive at peace” in the region.

Imprimir Incrementar tamaño de fuente Disminuir tamaño de fuente
Subscriber comments:
Published by: H.J.D'Cruz
Karachi 11/10/2009 02:14 AM EST
Obama can't bring peace anywhere.He is elcted president to destroy the world and even America. He is very good talker. Even some doubt his religious beliefs.
Rate this comment:
Published by: Dr. D
Chicago 10/22/2009 06:49 AM EST
Julian and others who are still under the spell cast by Obama might want to question how a secular leader who is the spokes person of the dulture of death can be an instrument of God. Sripture warns us to beware of false prophets. Comparing Obama to Mary seems an unintended blasphemy. An instrument of God would not be bought and paid for by special interests like trial lawyers and unions and subversive organization like acorn.
Rate this comment:
Published by: Onelove
Yonkers, NY, USA 10/15/2009 08:27 PM EST
Bishop Selim Sayegh is absolutley right about God bringing peace NOT OBAMA! I voted for obama & I regret that I ever did...he's in disguise...fooling the world but not me. May GOD bring peace to everyone's heart. GOD BLESS
Rate this comment:
Published by: robert matzinger
taylor/michigan/usa 10/09/2009 07:13 PM EST
Thank God for this message of "sense" and "truth" from Bishop Sayegh in noting that God will provide the way to peace in the Middle East,not Obama or any other human.
Rate this comment:
Published by: Julian Sanchez
Santa Fe, NM 10/09/2009 03:00 PM EST
In reference to Most Rev. Selim Sayegh, Yes, God brings peace but President Obama is His Instrument! Don't forget that! Just like when Mary said say to the Angel, peace was born, she was the instrument. Jesus establish His Church, but the Apostles where the instruments.
Rate this comment:
ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):
NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:
 
PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:
* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.
ADVERTISING
Place your ad here
Resources:
Columns:
News:
Documents:
Tools:
ACI Group:
ACI Prensa