In an effort to entice pilgrims back to Iraq, a new church near the ancient city of Ur rang its bell for the first time last week. This church is part of a complex that sits in the shadow of the pyramid-shaped Ziggurat of Ur, a city believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. Pope Francis visited this site three years ago.
Construction of the church is set to be completed this month, with workers recently fixing the large bell into its steeple. The steeple is made of traditional Iraqi yellowish mud brick, while the church boasts large, brightly-colored stained-glass windows. The aim is to attract visitors and pilgrims from around the world.
Pope Francis made a historic visit to Iraq in March 2021, holding an inter-religious prayer at a site in Ur believed to have been the house of Abraham. This visit provided hope for Iraq’s Christian community, which has dwindled from around 1.5 million to just a few hundred thousand since the U.S. invasion in 2003.
Shamil al-Rumaid, director of antiquities in Dhi Qar province, described the Pope’s visit as historically significant. He emphasized the importance of the new church being located near the ancient city of Ur, allowing Christian visitors from all over the world to come and pay their respects.
The Christian community in Iraq has faced significant challenges in recent decades. The rise of al Qaeda in the early 2000s and the brutal persecution by Islamic State from 2014-2017 decimated the community. Despite the defeat of Islamic State in 2017, Christians continue to struggle with high unemployment and difficulties in returning to their historical areas.
This new church symbolizes a glimmer of hope for Iraq’s Christians, as efforts are made to revitalize the community and attract pilgrims. The construction of the church near the ancient city of Ur is a nod to the rich Christian history in the region and aims to draw visitors from far and wide to pay homage to their faith.
The completion of the church and the ringing of its bell mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore Iraq’s Christian community. It serves as a beacon of hope in a country that has faced decades of conflict and turmoil, offering a symbol of resilience and faith in the face of adversity.
This initiative not only highlights the historical significance of the region as the birthplace of Abraham but also underscores the importance of religious tolerance and coexistence in Iraq. The hope is that the new church will serve as a place of worship, reflection, and unity for Christians and visitors from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of peace and harmony in a country that has known much turmoil.
As the church nears completion and prepares to welcome visitors, it stands as a testament to the enduring faith and spirit of Iraq’s Christian community. It is a reminder of the power of faith to overcome adversity and a testament to the resilience and determination of those who seek to preserve their religious heritage in the face of challenges.
Overall, the construction of the church near the ancient city of Ur represents a step towards rebuilding and revitalizing Iraq’s Christian community, offering a ray of hope in a country that has faced immense hardship and strife. It is a symbol of faith, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of a community seeking to preserve its heritage and continue its traditions in the face of adversity.
(Reporting by Mohammed Kadhim Atti in Dhi Qar; Writing by Timour Azhari; Editing by Ros Russell)
