Good Local Support For Event To Help Iraqi Christians In Need

Organised by Chiswick Churches For Justice And Peace

A fundraising event organised by Chiswick Churches for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has raised £1700 for Iraqi Christians in Need (ICIN) charity.

More than 60 people gathered at St Michael’s Church, Elmwood Road on October 22nd to hear an enthralling organ recital and see a film of a play performed by St Michael’s Players based on two Chiswick families in WW1. This was the 2nd “Peace in War” event linked to the centenary of WW1 and organised by the Chiswick Churches for Justice and Peace (CCJP).

Carl Bahoshy

The Chairman, Simon Rodway, opened the evening by describing the purpose of the event –

• To reflect on conflict today 100 years after WW1, and in particular the plight of Christians in Iraq and
• To help raise funds for the charity “Iraqi Christians in Need” (ICIN).

He then thanked the Vicar, Martine Oborne for agreeing to the use of the Church for this event and also 2 members of the Church, Steve and Alison Newbold for all the work that had gone into the event.

Martine Oborne explained that “My Darling Boy”, the play shown on screen, was the story of what war meant to a family, their 4 sons and a daughter and boyfriend who was a friend of one of them. It brought home the drastic consequences of “the war to end all wars” on families throughout the country who had no idea what the impact of their patriotism would be.

Simon Rodway introduces the Rev Martine Oborne

After the video, Martine spoke about St Michael’s “Heroes of Chiswick” project and similar ones at St Michael and All Angels and St Nicholas Churches. She then read part of an article written by her journalist husband Peter, which described movingly his recent stay in Damascus.

Carl Bahoshy, the son of Iraqi Christians who have lived in this country for many years, then gave an organ recital of six pieces, many of which had a Christian theme, ending with a wonderful finale of the 1 st Symphony for organ by Louis Vierne. During the music very poignant images of the suffering in Iraq were displayed on the screen, which had a powerful effect. Carl also said a few words about the“Iraqi Christians in Need” charity and read a letter by an Iraqi woman about the situation at the height of the conflict.

Almost £1700 was raised for “Iraqi Christians in Need”.

The event was attended by the Hounslow MP, Ruth Cadbury, who expressed her appreciation of Carl’s inspiring recital and asked us all to support the charity. The Vicar ended the meeting in prayer, and Fair Trade refreshments were then served.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to this cause can do so online at www.icin.org.uk or by mailing a cheque payable to ICIN to 43 Queen’s Drive, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 OTJ.

Chiswick Churches for Justice & Peace is an ecumenical association of parishes in Chiswick joined together to stimulate local awareness and action on issues of justice and peace, both at home and abroad.

Simon Rodway

October 24, 2015