BIRMINGHAM — On Thursday, Aug. 14, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh clergy members, among other religious leaders of various faiths, held an interfaith candlelight and prayer vigil at Shain Park in Birmingham and denounced the terrorist group IS. 

Representatives from human rights and civic organizations also participated in the well-attended event. 

Participants stood in solidarity with Iraq’s Christians and spoke out against the persecution that community has faced since the 2003 U.S. led invasion of Iraq. More than half of that country’s Christians fled their homeland following the invasion. Today, only a few hundred thousand remain, and their future is uncertain because of the recent attacks IS militants continue to launch on minorities in the country.  

The event was organized by the American Middle East Christians Congress. Many speakers became emotional as they called for peace in Iraq. 

Participants said they wanted to send the message that no one should be persecuted because of their race, religion or creed. At the end of the event, participants were asked to continue to spread awareness on the plight of Iraq’s religious minorities. Many fear minority groups in Iraq, including Christians, are on the verge of extinction. 

The candlelight and prayer vigil was part of a series of events that started after an interfaith meeting took place to discuss the current Iraqi crisis in Oak Park on Aug. 4.