For myself, I have for some time now been deeply troubled by the growing difficulties faced by Christian communities in various parts of the Middle East. It seems to me that we cannot ignore the fact that Christians in the Middle East are, increasingly, being deliberately targeted by fundamentalist Islamist militants. Christianity was, literally, born in the Middle East and we must not forget our Middle Eastern brothers and sisters in Christ. Their church communities link us straight back to the early Church, as I was reminded by hearing Aramaic, Our Lord’s own language, spoken and sung a few hours ago.
Yet, today, the Middle East and North Africa has the lowest concentration of Christians in the world ”“ just four per cent of the population and it is clear that the Christian population of the Middle East has dropped dramatically over the last century and is falling still further.
This has an effect on all of us, although, of course, primarily on those Christians who can no longer continue to live in the Middle East: we all lose something immensely and irreplaceably precious when such a rich tradition dating back two thousand years begins to disappear. It is, therefore, especially delightful to see such a rich panoply of church life here to-day, including the Antiochian, Greek, Coptic, Syrian, and Armenian Orthodox Churches, the Melkite, Maronite, Syrian Catholic, Chaldean, and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as the Church of the East, and Churches established, dare I say it, somewhat more recently, including the Anglican Church!
Wow. One wonders if H.R.H. cleared that speech with the PM or the Foreign Office before hand. Still, it is good to see someone with his stature stating what far too many pols are afraid to.
I agree, AO. This is a terrific speech.
I almost wonder: What imposter delivered that outstanding speech, and what did they do with the real Prince Charles?
I just may have to revise my strong bias against the crown prince.
David Handy+
David+
Yes I too was wondering something similar (where did the real Prince Charles go?) I can’t remember ever taking a stand for Christian faith like this or so publicly identifying himself as a professing Christian. Maybe his Mum’s wonderful Christmas speeches of the last 2 years have sunk in?! This is really quite encouraging.