Hundreds of people are expected at a march this weekend in Auckland’s Queen St, calling for solidarity with persecuted minorities in Iraq.
Christian groups and those supporting other religious groups who have been brutally attacked by the Islamic State, are calling on the Iraqi community in New Zealand and others to take part in the peaceful march.
Auckland’s Catholic Bishop Patrick Dunn, and Anglican Bishop Ross Bay, as well as other Iraqi Christian leaders, will take part.
The Parish Priest of St Addai Chaldean Catholic Church, Father Fawzi Hanna, says people in Auckland are very concerned.
“There is a big Iraqi community in New Zealand, especially in Auckland, and we are all terrified for our friends and family in Iraq.”
The march will follow a meeting that will take place from 2-4pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 43 Wyndham St.
The event also happens to coincide with a similar march organised by Assyrian youths, from Civic Square to Parliament in Wellington.
For those who cannot attend but would still like to show their support, donations can be made to the “Hope for Iraq Fund” – ASB 12-3026-0469396-51.
Source
- Scoop.co.nz
- Image: CatholicSun.org
Additional information: Confirmed with Bishop of Auckland’s office that the march is on Saturday 30 August.