September 1, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Assembly of Hope and Mercy:
Defending Christians in the Lands Where It All Began
September 18, 2015
7pm – 9pm
St. John Francis Regis Chapel
Inspired by the Peace, Love and Co-Existence Among the Children of Abraham (PLACE) initiative of the Archdiocese of Denver and Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon Office of Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Affairs, “The Assembly of Hope and Mercy: Defending Christians in the Lands Where It All Began” is an evening of live witnesses, exclusive videos and expert panel discussions that will raise the awareness of the plight of Christians in the Middle East.
The evening is sponsored by Save Christians in the Middle East (www.savechristianmiddleeast.org), a group of religious, business and community partners whose goal is to provide immediate support to these endangered Christians. They have designated the month of September for raising awareness of the critical situation that faces Christians in the Middle East.
For the first time, the Church—East and West, Apostolic and Evangelical Christians—will gather together in Denver, Colorado to show unity and implement a response to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. Regis University is hosting the event in the St. John Francis Regis Chapel on its campus and Colorado Christian University presenters are committed to raise awareness of the Christian need.
Under the auspices of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon Office of Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Affairs, with the Archdiocese of Denver and in partnership with host Regis University, the Assembly of Hope and Mercy brings newly released refugees and special guests from Lebanon for personal witness. See video footage of the destruction to holy places, hear stories from Iraqi and Syrian Christian refugees of what is left in the Middle East, learn about the lives of peril and persecution that they fled. Get first-hand accounts from families who lived under the oppression of ISIS – whose mission is to destroy Christianity in the part of the world where Christianity began. Meet families who suffered death and women who survived rape – a “holy right” of jihadists – and escaped. With moderator Peter Boyles, learn about the history, geography, and religious and anthropological complexities of the Middle East from an expert panel. Ask questions; get answers. Live and taped speakers include Archbishop Samuel Aquila, Bishop Elias Zaidan, Retired General Chilton, Major General Rayburn, Professor Shaul Gabbay, Father Andre Mahanna, and more.
Find out what you can do to help stop the murderous persecution of Christians and the elimination of Christianity in the Middle East. Join us on Friday September 18, 2015 from 7-9 PM at Regis University. Seating is limited. Reservations are required and can be made at www.savechristianmiddleeast.org. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.savechristianmiddleeast.org.
Immediate help is needed for those who stand for their Christian faith. The stakes are high – for these Christians and for Christianity throughout the world. We must save Christianity in the Middle East – the lands where Christianity began.
