Church welcomes Iraqi campaigners for Camp Ashraf vigil

Farm Street Church, a few hundred yards from the American Embassy in London, is opening its doors this weekend to a group of Iraqis who are on hunger strike over the situation in Camp Ashraf.  They have vowed to stay on a hunger strike to the death unless something is done to help thousands of fellow exiles living in the camp in Iraq following deadly clashes with the Iraqi security forces.

The Iraqis will be processing to the Jesuit church in Mayfair on Saturday (29 August), where they will light 36 candles, one for each of the detainees in Camp Ashraf known to or related to the London campaigners.  They will then join in prayers with local parishioners and clergy.  They have already had support from the ministers of St James', Piccadilly, and Canon Mark Oakley, Priest-in-Charge of Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair.

Farm Street parish priest, Father William Pearsall SJ, says that it is at times like this that people can unite with bonds of common humanity. 'This is one of those opportunities when we can open our arms to welcome our Muslim brothers and sisters, to show solidarity with them, and to raise our voices in prayer to the God of Abraham, that those responsible for Camp Ashraf will act humanely and compassionately,' he said. 'This is a humanitarian issue, that cuts across sectarianism and politics, and we are pleased to be able to offer our support to our neighbours.'

The campaigners say that under the fourth Geneva Convention, members of the UN have a duty to protect the people of Camp Ashraf, which they believe is being ignored by the US and UK so as not to damage their relationship with Iraq.


 Farm Street Church