PETITION FOR UNITY

Date:  08/25/2021

TO: The Synod of The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East and The Ancient Church of the East

From:  The undersigned Christian members and Parishioners who are all called to be ONE as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ prayed: John 17:22 “That they may be ONE, even as we are ONE”

We greet you in the name of The Father Son and Holy Spirit,

This is a call to action for Assyrians globally to petition both the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, and the Ancient Church of the East to continue an unceasing dialogue that must lead to a lasting unity of the Church of the East under ONE leadership.

Since the fall of the Assyrian Empire and later conversion to Christianity in 33AD, we have taken pride in our unwavering resolve to remain true to the faith of our forefathers, often boasting of our Aramaic/Assyrian language spoken by Jesus and His disciples. As a result, the Mother Church was forced into the role of unifying a “Church Nation” to protect its people from extermination.  She has and remains a refuge, uniting, sheltering, and sustaining the flock.  She is a beacon of hope, a haven during some of the most brutal persecutions while ultimately come to be the saving grace leading to the survival of our nation. We are grateful to the Holy Church and thankful of the leaders that in many cases in history, sacrificed their lives for the survival of our people.  As a result of the continuous persecution of our Assyrian nation causing massive exodus from our homeland, the majority are now living in diaspora in many cases as displaced refugees.  Scattered all over the world, our nation is in dire need of a global unified representation to demand justice and restoration of our rights as a nation that have been usurped. Facing this new perilous threat for the existence of our nation, being divided worsens our chance of survival and call for justice.  While it is imperative to acknowledge the Church’s historical leadership role, yet the Church cannot continue to carry this heavy national burden without the civilian’s help. It is unrealistic to expect the weary Church to continue to meet the needs of an entire nation without suffering further consequences.  The Church MUST UNITE since it is where the greatest power of the people lies.  Therefore, this appeal is necessary for the Holy Church together with the greater Assyrian Community to stand with one accord to bring about the church Unity that has thus far not been attained. We would be more successful for The Holy Synod to recognize the tremendous untapped capabilities and resources of the people to help achieve the vital objective of church unity to better assist our dispersed nation. This can only be achieved with a united front between the “Church and Nation” crucial for our success. We have an opportunity to form this unanimity now more than ever.

This action is necessary to mend the damage of the church schism when the joy of our “united front” was ruptured by the enemy of all mankind, leaving the Assyrian Nation, which is integrated within the Church, in its present condition, DIVIDED & WEAKENED.  The unified “Church Nation” that survived massacres, beheadings, slaughters, sacrificing thousands of martyrs, refusing to submit to the enemy’s attempt to force the denial of our faith and identity, tragically succumbed to its own internal division and strife.  The Church of the East founded by the disciples of Christ, sharing common language, liturgy, historical hierarchy, martyrs, and common roots, remains divided today after many attempts throughout the years made by the Holy Fathers.  All efforts to resolve past issues proved unsuccessful.  Therefore, the common people or civilians are now urging the Holy Church Council, respectfully, to form a unified resolution summit to discuss the path to unity.   THE CHURCH MUST UNITE FOR OUR ASSYRIAN NATION TO FIND JUSTICE, AMEN!

PLEASE PRINT PETITION AND DELIVER TO YOUR LOCAL ASSYRIAN CHURCH