Share
RSSBaghdad bombings hit St. George’s Church
October 28, 2009
Following two major bomb explosions in Baghdad on Sunday, Episcopal Relief & Development will assist the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME) and St. George’s Anglican Church in their medical, rebuilding and peacemaking efforts.
“We’re deeply saddened by this tragic event,” said Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief & Development. “The blasts have impacted our brothers and sisters at St. George’s Church, and many of the staff and members are unaccounted for. We’re holding the people of St. George’s and Baghdad in our prayers.”
At least 132 people were killed and more than 600 injured by the bombings. The church building, which also serves as FRRME’s headquarters, was badly damaged. In addition, the church’s clinic, which provides free medical and dental treatment to hundreds of people each week, had much of its equipment destroyed.
“Today was a terrible day for us. But even in the blood and trauma and turmoil, there are things for which we can, and indeed must, praise our God,” The Rev. Canon Andrew White, president of FRRME and vicar of St. George’s, said Sunday. “The carnage was terrible, but it could have been even worse. At 10.30am this morning, when the bombs exploded, there was no one in the church.”
The Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East also supports initiatives to increase peace and understanding among people of all beliefs. St. George’s Clinic, which serves all in need regardless of faith or ethnic background, includes staff members who are Muslim, Christian and Jewish. In addition, FRRME oversees the Inter-Religious Reconciliation Initiative, which works to promote dialogue between key religious leaders in Iraq.
“Some people ask me whether days like today make me want to give up,” Canon White said. “We have seen much of what we have worked for destroyed. But the truth is, it is days like today that remind us why our work in Iraq is absolutely essential.”
Episcopal Relief & Development is accepting contributions to support the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East. To make a gift, please donate online to the Disaster Response Fund at https://www.er-d.org/donate-select.php, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
