COB BASRA, Iraq – Service members, civilians, and contractors joined acting Bishop of Basrah, Imad al-Banna, as he conducted Mass according to the Chaldean rite in the new chapel, here, Jan. 16.
“The reason was to continue a relationship begun by our allies,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Morris, 34th Infantry Division chaplain.
According to the Afton, Minn. native, the tradition of coalition forces attending and hosting religious ceremonies with the local religious community is part of an important association in the stabilization of the country.
“Hosting Mass is a way to foster that relationship,” said Morris.
Morris described the acting bishop’s involvement in helping develop Basrah’s civil capacities -- such as the three schools in Basrah that teach children from all faiths -- as a “tremendous asset”.
Since April, the 34th Inf. Div. has hosted the Chaldean Mass three times – twice at Contingency Operating Base Basra and once at COB Adder.
Al-Banna, a native of Basrah, is a strategic leader in United States Division-South.
He leads Christian communities in Basrah, Amarah, Nasiriyah and al-Kut. He is also a significant national leader and has met in the past with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani and Prime Minister Nouri Kamel al-Maliki, said Morris.
Morris said he hoped the service would give Soldiers experience with a “diverse and ancient culture”.
“They have 1,800 years of continued existence in Iraq and represent a more ancient people, the Chaldeans, who have a recorded 6,000-year-old history,” he said.
He also said that he hoped the service would be spiritually encouraging for those in attendance and that by sharing in religious fellowship they could enhance the relationship between the Americans and the Iraqis.
“I find it very moving, very inspiring,” he said.
Al-Banna took the place of the actual bishop of Basrah, who fled to Australia in March 2008 after receiving threats during the time of the “Charge of the Knights” operation.
The operation was the first Iraqi Army-led operation and aimed to drive the Mahdi army out of the area.
Morris said that sharing in religious ceremonies is only a small part of a much larger picture.
“I think this has dimensions beyond Mass. It has to do with religious freedom,” he said, “It has to do with the protections of minorities in the new Iraq. It has to do with healthy stability.”
COB BASRA, Iraq – Service members, civilians, and contractors joined acting Bishop of Basrah, Imad al-Banna, as he conducted Mass according to the Chaldean rite in the new chapel, here, Jan. 16.