You can help Iraqi Christian (and other minority) refugees in Marlborough

Earlier in June the Islamic State in Levant (ISIL) or Islamic State (ISIS) captured Mosul in Iraq and gave the Christians there a choice: convert to Islam or die. In a Nazi-like style, the houses of Christians were marked with the letter “N”, short for “Nazarene”, a term used to describe Christians. All who could – fled. Later, ISIL overran the remaining Christian villages in the area. Over 250 000 Christian Assyrians fled and are now refugees, trapped in the hills of Northern Iraq. 2000 year old churches and monasteries with priceless manuscripts were purposely destroyed. This campaigning of ethnic and religious cleansing is another genocide happening in front of our eyes.

This is not the first genocide that befell the Assyrian Christians. In 1914/1915 they were the victims of the Assyrian genocide that claimed ca. 400,000 people and decimated their populations in today’s Eastern Turkey and Iran. Back then Congregational missionaries sent by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) like Ruth Parmelee or Ernest Yarrow were among those who alarmed the world public opinion to the atrocities suffered by our fellow Christians through letters and press articles. Money was raised and aid was given to help those Assyrian refugees who survived to resettle and rebuild their lives.

Responding to the needs First Church in Marlborough (UCC) decided to donate this week’s second collection to the Iraqi Christian and other minority need through the ACERO - Assyrian Church of The East Relief Organization working in North Iraq. Through personal connections the collection will be matched by another UCC church - First Church of Christ (UCC) in New Haven. We invite everyone to join us for worship and donate then or donate online directly to ACERO. Your generosity and solidarity with those in need will be much appreciated.

Established in 1660 and the oldest church in town, First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) UCC has a long tradition of mission: in 1816 a member, Rev. Edward Warren became one of the first ABCFM missionaries in today’s Sri Lanka. Another member William Godell (1792-1867) worked for many years in the Middle East translating the Bible to modern Armenian.

Today, First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) UCC is a vibrant, inclusive community of seeking to worship and serve God in the city of Marlborough and in the world. Our services are held on Sunday at 10 AM.