March 14, 2008 

Washington D.C.– The Islamic Information Center condemns the death of Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, who was kidnapped by gunmen in Iraq last month, as he drove home after delivering religious services. His body was discovered this week. Such an act is an atrocity against humanity, and cannot be excused by any reason.

Islam teaches that members of different faiths should live together in peaceful harmony, treating each other with respect and trust. This message is especially important to remember during these troubled times in Iraq.

The IIC asks that all parties in Iraq should focus on the primary goal of restoring peace its inhabitants, and remember the teachings of the Quran: “And whosoever kills a human being, for anything other than manslaughter or mischief in the land, it is as if he has killed all of mankind; and whosoever saves a single life, it is as if he has saved all of mankind” (Al Quran: Chapter 5, Verse 32).