Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741, 202-547-1735

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a letter sent last week, the groups asked the President to observe the "Rogation of the Ninevites" at the White House.
 
View a full copy of the letter here.
 
The "Rogation of the Ninevites" is an ancient tradition observed in Iraq since the birth of Christianity by Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac Christians.
 
The "Rogation" finds its roots in the Prophet Jonah and the ancient city of Nineveh which was located in Iraq.
 
This year the "Rogation" is being observed February 14-16 and includes fasting, prayer, repentance and reflection for God's protection and blessings in Iraq.
 
A delegation of 15 Church and lay leaders from America planned on going to Iraq to observe the "Rogation" this year.
 
Because of terrorist threats of retaliation, Iraqi Church leaders could not extend an invitation to the delegation and the trip was canceled.
 
In light of this tragic situation, faith and human rights organizations have asked President Obama to observe a "Rogation" service at the White House this February 14-16.
 
Those groups include:  The National Clergy Council, Iraqi Christian Relief Council, American Mesopotamian Organization and The Christian Defense Coalition.
 
Below are listed some key passages from the letter:

Mr. President, according to the Iraqi Census in 1987, there were 1.4 million Christians in Iraq.  It is believed since the United States military intervention in 2003 that number stands at 400,000.
 
Mr. President, America did not spend billions of dollars in Iraq, and  have our sons and daughters shed their blood, to see the public expression of Christianity extinguished in that country.
 
We are asking for a Rogation observation at the White House.  This would send a powerful and inspirational message to the oppressed Christians of Iraq and affirm to the world your commitment to protecting religious freedom and liberty.
 
As you celebrated a special Ramadan meal at the White House for the past two years, we would hope that you would observe the Rogation this year.
 
Mr. President the situation in Iraq is desperate and getting worse every day. Now is the time for the United States to speak out with passion on this issue and ensure religious freedom for all in Iraq.