With reference to your report about the Chaldean chaplaincy in the Diocese of Westminster (News from Britain and Ireland, 23 May), we would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight.
In recognition of the importance of ethnic and Eastern Rite chaplaincies, which add to the richness and diversity of the life of the Church in the capital, support is provided to them on a pan-London basis. This support can take many forms.
Support is provided to priests who arrive from other countries to look after these chaplaincies, beginning with assistance with immigration visas and work permits, and help with accommodation. Advice and support are also provided to the pastoral councils and finance committees of these chaplaincies, in the same way they would be to a local parish.
In the case of the Chaldean chaplaincy in particular, several meetings were held with their finance committee to provide advice and to explore various options. When the opportunity arose to acquire additional property to expand their chaplaincy centre in Ealing, the diocese extended a loan and provided professional services to enable the purchase. As there are no empty Catholic churches available, an offer of a loan was also made to the chaplaincy for the purchase of a church. At this time the finance committee has yet to take up the offer as a suitable church has yet to be identified. The offer remains open should the appropriate opportunity arise.
The diocese will continue to extend a warm welcome to Eastern Rite and ethnic chaplaincies and to offer them appropriate advice and support so that they can continue to feel at home in London and to contribute to the life of the Church in the capital.
Marie Saba, Diocese of Westminster
We have become so desensitised to the plight of human suffering that the volume of outcry is louder at the destruction of historical artefacts than at the wanton torture and elimination of Christianity in Iraq. Lest we forget, a Middle East without Christians is a land bereft of humanity.
Rafah Hanna, via email
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