A year ago I introduced Canon Andrew White to my blogger friends on the Internet.
At the time, when US casualties in Iraq were at its height, Andrew was working with the warring Sunnis and Shia’s in Iraq in the hopes of bringing some kind of reconciliation between the sects. I made a contribution to Andrews work and his foundation (FRRME)
As you all know I am a strong defender of the US in Iraq and the surge in troops in the past year. I was humbled and brought to tears today (if you can believe that about Faithfulee) when I realized that I haven’t recognized the work of Canon White and even worse, I have failed to appreciate that it just might have been more than the surge that brought a measure of peace to Iraq. I know now that we have witnessed the handiwork of God, acting through Andrew, the Iraq Muslims who are honestly seeking peace, and others in that distant Arab Land.
I ask God to forgive me for my failure. I also ask you all to join me in Prayer for the continued good works of Andrew, and all those seeking peace in the world.
The following from New Society (Harvard College Student Middle East Journal) gives a detailed outline of Andrews work. I urge you to read it.
http://newsocietyjournal.com/2008/07/09/canon-andrew-white-the-vicar-of-baghdad/A synopsis of his recent trials and work
In his earlier work with Shi’a and Sunni religious leaders, Canon White had been responsible for the establishment of the Iraqi Centre for Dialogue, Reconciliation, and Peace (later re-named the Iraqi Institute of Peace). He also drafted the original Baghdad Religious Accord that marked the first major meeting between Iraq’s Sunni and Shi’a leaders. [22] At the risk of his own personal safety, he has also been deeply involved in negotiating hostage releases. His foundation (FRRME) has become a leading mediator of hostage negotiations in Iraq and has the most successful track record of any entity. Canon White admits, however, that this is difficult work and that he is successful in far too few of these cases. He stated in his July 2007 testimony before the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom that, “in the past month, thirty-six of my own congregation have been kidnapped. To date, only one has been returned.” [23] In the years since the Coalition invasion, Canon White and his negotiating team have left Iraq several times following the issuance of death threats against them.And should you wish to, I sincerely urge your contributions in addition to your prayers.
