Missionary Couple Invites Catholics to Visit Iraq Says Dioceses Need Support to Preserve Christian Communities

By Genevieve Pollock

ARBIL, Iraq, MARCH 26, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A couple transplanted to Northern Iraq is rallying support for the Church in the region, which needs the worldwide community to aid its time of new hope and rebuilding.

Hank and Diane McCormick speak on behalf of several bishops and priests in Iraq, who are offering to help organize and accommodate pilgrims that want to come and help renew and strengthen the Catholic communities in the region.

In this interview with ZENIT, the couple tells their story, and appeals for the global Catholic community to help the dwindling Christian population preserve their presence and traditions in Iraq.

Q: How did you wind up in Northern Iraq?

Hank: As a missionary for communications and Church relations for SAT-7, a Middle East Christian satellite television company, my initial contact with Iraqi Catholics was to foster increased opportunities for them to share their voice in the Christian television programs of the Middle East. We had been aware of the difficult situation Catholics in Iraq were facing, and were eager to meet with them.

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