Chaldean Catholic Patriarch disavows Christian militia

March 15, 2016

Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako has announced that the Chaldean Catholic Church "has no connection, either direct or indirect, with the so-called Babylon Brigade, nor with any armed militia that presents itself as Christian."

The Chaldean patriarchate, in a March 13 statement, said that some armed groups were claiming support from the Church, based on letters they had solicited from the former Chaldean Patriarch, Emmanule III Delly, who resigned in 2012 and died in 2014. The patriarchate said that all civic leaders have been notified that no politician is authorized to represent the Chaldean Church.

Patriarch Louis Raphael has argued against the formation of militia groups, encouraging lay Christians to join the Iraqi army if they are inclined toward military service.

 

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Further information:

• Chaldean Patriarchate disavows the "Babylon Brigades": no armed militia is linked to the Church (Fides)
• Chaldean Catholic Patriarch warns against forming Christian militia (CWN, 3/8)