One of the most fascinating and riveting reports that I have had the honour to listen to firsthand came on the first morning of Synod, when Canon Andrew White brought us up to date with the situation pertaining to the church in Iraq, more particularly St. George's, Baghdad. From comments heard later. my sentiments are shared by many other delegates and observers.

Andrew White. a Canon of Coventry Cathedral in England, represents the Church as Special Advisor to the Iraq Centre for Dialogue. Reconciliation and Peace. He has also been a representative of the Anglican Church in dialogue between the communities of Israel and Palestine. In these capacities he has had, and continues to have, meetings with diverse and opposing political and religious leaders.

In February 2004 leading Shia and Sunni Clerics, along with representatives of all of Iraq's religious groups, met for the first time at an historic meeting in Baghdad to sign the 'Baghdad Religious Accord' (picture opposite), This committed all key religious leaders of Iraq to guarantee religious freedom and to unite against violence under the auspices of a newly formed Iraq Institute of Peace. Canon Andrew White was instrumental in arranging this meeting at which Bishop Clive represented the Christian Anglican community.
Whereas virtually all that we read and see in the media concerning Iraq tends to be completely negative, Andrew's talk gave us a different perspective. bringing out the more positive aspects in spite of the terrible events taking place there. Although temporarily barred from doing so, he has on average visited Baghdad twice per month for some time. He is thus very much 'in the firing line' and has experienced the violent death of close friends and acquaintances. He has been exposed to the terrible events which occur daily in that war-tom zone and spoke first-hand of witnessing the grief and anguish of both Christians and Moslems.

Financially St. Georges is a very poor church, it has no budget and no funding; and yet in Canon Andrew's own words ". ..this is one of the richest churches I have ever been part of.  What we have is an assurance that God will provide, and a love that binds us together in adversity."

That positive claim of the Lord's love for His people came through in every word that Canon Andrew spoke. He recognises the problems and he knows the pitfalls ahead. However, he has that faith in the Lord which enables him to continue with his most important work.

We pray that the Lord will protect him and enable the Church in Iraq to not only survive, but prosper and be a 'beacon' in that war-tom country.

More detailed information can be found at this link on our website:  St. George's, Baghdad

Copies of the article about St. George's by Canon Andrew may be obtained from the Cathedral office. 
Rod Taylor