We greet you with reverence and honor your spiritual mission. We seek your guidance to teach us Christ’s principles, instill noble spiritual values, uphold human principles, promote social justice, and defend the dignity of every human being. May you be bridges of peace and reconciliation among adversaries, for "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).

We look forward to hearing a noble and honest word from you on political matters—one that is courageous in defending the truth after listening to all parties. Do not fear, and do not side with one faction against another, for you are the messengers of Christ, the King of Peace. Be the voice of living conscience, reminding us of the Gospel’s principles and the ethical dimension of politics so that the Church’s presence remains a beacon of faithfulness, justice, and love.

Preserve your credibility and spiritual mission, and be a vigilant conscience that guides us all toward the common good, away from narrow interests and electoral calculations. You are not politicians to manage the political process, nor do you have a political agenda to align with parties or political blocs or become entangled in political maneuvering. Your mission is far greater than to be tainted by political bargains and fluctuations, for "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" (Luke 20:25). This requires a clear distinction between the Church’s moral leadership and direct political involvement.

Encourage believers to engage in civic life, for responsible participation in public affairs is a moral duty. However, Church resources must remain dedicated to its pastoral mission and service to the poor and must not be used for partisan political affiliations. Transparency, justice, and integrity must govern all decisions to ensure that the Church remains a source of unity, not division.

You are not a party in political competition, and you must not direct voters toward one party or candidate over another, for all are your flock. Funding electoral campaigns for Christian parties and candidates from your own money or Church funds is an act of theft for which you will be held accountable before God and the law. Aligning with a Christian party against others constitutes political engagement. Explicitly endorsing one Christian candidate over another is a blatant interference in politics. Nominating Christians for political positions is considered political involvement. Managing party meetings and coordinating electoral activities and political alliances is a betrayal of your spiritual mission.

Engaging in politics is not your role—your mission is far greater than political work. Your duty is to offer us fatherly advice rooted in the spirit of love from the Gospel.

We love you as fathers, teachers, and guides. Be true shepherds to us, worthy of this great responsibility, so that "they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Rayan al-Kildani

January 31, 2025