As military plans are being laid for an offensive to liberate Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, from Islamic State militants, this conference focused on the policies and strategies urgently needed to help the Middle East’s vulnerable religious minorities.
Leading the discussion was Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and Hudson Distinguished Scholar Walter Russell Mead. They were joined by experts from multiple pontifical humanitarian agencies, writers, and noted experts.
Nearly a year after the Islamic State swept through northern Iraq and enforced its convert-or-die ultimatum, tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians and members of other ancient religions remain in encampments in Kurdistan and neighboring countries. They subsist on international humanitarian aid and their children lack access to education. Many are losing hope of ever returning to their homes and, with few options to resettle within the region, many are seeking to leave.
Is there any hope that these Christians and other religious minorities can remain in the Middle East?
Read a transcript of Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s seven point plan to end persecution of Christians.
His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Dolan Featured Speaker
Archbishop of New York
Walter Russell Mead Featured Speaker
Distinguished Scholar, American Strategy and Statesmanship, Hudson Institute and James Chace Clark Professor, Bard College
Nina Shea Speaker
Senior Fellow & Director, Center for Religious Freedom, Hudson Institute
Kenneth R. Weinstein Speaker and Moderator, Importance of Grand Strategy
President & CEO, Hudson Institute
The Reverend Benedict Kiely Moderator, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
Founder, Nasarean.org
Mark L. Movsesian Panelist, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
Frederick A. Whitney Professor & Director, Center for Law and Religion, St. John’s University School of Law
Sarkis Boghjalian Panelist, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
Executive Director of Aid to the Church in Need—U.S.
Michael J.L. La Civita Panelist, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
Communications Director, Catholic Near East Welfare Association
His Excellency, Bishop Gregory John Mansour Moderator, Remarks by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
Samuel Tadros Moderator, Policy Solutions
Senior Fellow, Center for Religious Freedom, Hudson Institute
Kirsten Powers Panelist, Policy Solutions
Columnist, USA Today and Author, The Silencing: How the Left is Killing Free Speech
The Reverend Johnnie Moore Panelist, Policy Solutions
Author, Defying ISIS and Co-Founder, The Cradle Fund
Mindy Belz Panelist, Policy Solutions
Editor, World Magazine and author of a forthcoming book on Iraq
Joseph Kassab Panelist, Policy Solutions
President & Founder, Iraqi Christians Advocacy and Empowerment Institute
