About National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence
On March 6th 2021, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, the Iraqi Prime Minister, declared that March 6th will be a national day of tolerance and coexistence in Iraq, via his Twitter account. This is a significant holiday aimed at fostering peace and unity among the nation's Christian community.
The declaration came shortly after the meeting between Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani and Pope Francis as well as the interfaith meeting in Ur, land of Abraham.
This visit, marking the first of its kind by a pontiff to the predominantly Muslim country, set the stage for profound discussions on religious tolerance. It was during this visit that both leaders concurred on the necessity of legal protections for Christians, and the promotion of trust and understanding among various religious groups in Iraq. This collaborative stance paved the way for the proclamation of March 6 as a national holiday dedicated to peace and tolerance.
According to the biblical tradition from the Old Testament, Abraham came from the plain of Ur. The place is therefore important for Muslims, Jews and Christians as all three religions consider Abraham to be the progenitor.
“To celebrate this historic meeting in Najaf between Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and Pope Francis, and the historic interreligious meeting in the ancient city of Ur, we declare March 6 as a national holiday of tolerance and coexistence in Iraq,” he wrote on the social network.
Challenges and Triumphs of the Christian Community
Despite the Muslim majority, Iraq is home to a vibrant Christian community, which has faced significant challenges over the years. The Christian population has dwindled from 1.4 million in 2003 to an estimated 500,000 by 2022, largely due to the violent insurgency of ISIS. The subsequent persecution forced many Christians to flee, seeking refuge and a chance to rebuild their lives. The defeat of ISIS in 2017 marked a turning point, allowing for the gradual restoration of the Christian community and the revitalization of religious diversity in Iraq.
Observing the Day of Tolerance and Coexistence
Observance of the Day of Tolerance and Coexistence is a call to action for all Iraqis and the international community to support and participate in the preservation of religious diversity. Activities include online celebrations, raising awareness about the plight of displaced Iraqi Christians, and promoting the message of peace through various platforms. This day serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Christian community and the enduring spirit of tolerance that defines the Iraqi nation.
As Iraq continues to navigate the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction, the Day of Tolerance and Coexistence stands as a beacon of hope for not only Christians but all minority groups within the country. It symbolizes a collective aspiration towards a future marked by peace, understanding, and mutual respect among Iraq's diverse religious and ethnic communities. By commemorating this day, Iraq reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of faith, can contribute to the nation's prosperity and harmony.
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