BASRAH, Iraq – Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, commander, Multi-National Division South, attended Mass at St. Efram, a Chaldean Catholic church in Basrah, Dec. 6, to show his appreciation for the religious community and their work fostering civil capacities here.
“It’s a long-standing tradition that is important to the coalition relationship,” said Lt. Col. John Morris, 34th Infantry Division chaplain, native of Afton, Minn.
Nash attended at the invitation of acting Bishop of Basrah Imad al-Banna, whom he has met with on many occasions.
The commanding general hopes to show that he takes the role of religion seriously, and is ”respectful and grateful to the religious community for being good neighbors,” said Morris
“There’s been much harmony with the religious groups and we wanted to thank them for that,” he said.
This is apparent in St. Efram elementary, a school affiliated with the church. The school is celebrated for its inclusion of children from all religious backgrounds, said Morris.
Soldiers also brought gifts of donated toys, school supplies and candy to the children at St. Efram elementary in time for Christmas.
In November, Nash met with religious leaders, also from mixed religious backgrounds, on the Shatt al-Arab to discuss the upcoming election and civic stability.
The religious community is “fundamental to civic stability,” and promotion of basic human rights is something “by nature, all religions have interest in,” said Morris.
They promote education, like that offered at St. Efram elementary, which Morris said is “fundamental to any sort of democracy”, as well as food distribution and care of the poor and refugees.
Across town, Imam al-Moosawi, cleric for the al-Moosawi Mosque, maintains a hospital in Basrah.
Another important function of the religious community is publicizing information to the people.
“Religious leaders are major communicators,” Morris said.
Nash hopes the religious community will convey the importance of the upcoming elections and foster trust in the government, said Morris.
In a region that has seen much violence and conflict over religious differences, Morris said Basrah has an advantage.
As a “cosmopolitan” port city, it has had access to many different ideas and religious influences over the years, he said.
Roughly 90 percent of people living there are Shi’ia Muslims, but the city is also home to Sunni Muslims and Chaldean Catholics, as well as Mandeans, who Nash hopes to meet with soon.
“Being a cosmopolitan city, it seems like there’s more religious diversity,” said Morris, “and they have found a way over the years to live in harmony.”
