Without you, St. George’s would not have been able to meet any of these critical needs. But as you can imagine, there is much more to be done. We again offer an appeal, new photos, an updated summary of
needs, and a request for your prayers.

The most critical needs are those which address the life and death needs of the parish (security and medical care), the habitability of the church building (heaters) and the other reoccurring costs set forth in the month budget. Beyond that, we seek to address the long-term needs of the parish, through a capital campaign (with capital improvements implemented as the security situation improves). We seek to quietly aid the church without drawing unwanted, and dangerous attention to it.

This is a grass-roots effort, without overhead or fanfare, but conducted with the support and oversight of the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, the Rt. Rev. Clive Handford, in whose diocese St. George’s is located, and Canon Andrew White, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s emissary to the Middle East and Director of the International Centre for Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral.

Simply stated, St. George’s is an important center for the Iraqi Christian Community in Baghdad, and for carrying out the work of the larger Church in ministering to the spiritual and humanitarian needs of an embattled parish of approximately 200 adults and 100 children.  The vast majority of these people are Christians from backgrounds other than the Anglican Church and some are simply people in genuine need. The Church is their refuge in emergencies, their hope for better times, and their sanctuary in a dangerous period of transition and renewal.
 
The church was founded in 1936, forcibly closed by Saddam Hussein, and completely looted during 2003, and badly damaged by rocket fire. It lacks plumbing, suitable outbuildings, pews, a fulltime Rector,  a dependable budget to meet pressing needs, and so many other basic necessities we take for granted.

For our brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of denomination, we appeal to you to come to the aid of an embattled congregation, and to take this opportunity to participate in our Lord’s work of helping those in need in Iraq. Our shared mission is to spread and sustain Christ’s message of love and reconciliation, in showing our brothers and sisters that we acknowledge their suffering and want them to succeed.

And for all who seek to work for peace and harmony amongst people of all faiths, we appeal to you to assist an important and endangered faith community in a land that has known so much hardship and adversity. The seeds of hope can be planted here.

Please demonstrate your commitment to Iraq and its long-suffering Christian community. Show the people of St. George’s and the people of all faith groups served by the Church, that they are not alone.   American friends may send their tax deductible contribution to:
 

For our British friends and those wishing to contribute in
Sterling or Euros, please send your contributions to:

Monies will be aggregated in Washington and, ultimately, Coventry and wired to St. George’s as needed to defray identified expenses and projects. This is being done without overhead: all funds collected will be fully applied to the direct benefit of St. George’s and the expenses and projects identified here.

Please feel free to contact us with your questions, or to let us know your progress in assisting our efforts. Most of all we ask for your prayers for the people of St. George’s and for “the peace which passeth all understanding” here in this Biblical Land. Thank you and
God Bless you.
Faithfully,