The Vicar Of Baghdad: Fighting For Peace In The Middle East

Book Summary

As the vicar of St. George's Church in Baghdad, the only Episcopalian church in Iraq, Canon Andrew White has worked with those at the highest levels of authority in Iraq, for both Westerners and Iraqis. Now, as political and military solutions continue to fail, Andrew offers a different approach to making peace in the Middle East-speaking as a man of faith to men of faith. In The Vicar of Baghdad he tells the story of his work to create peace through God. "Ask yourself 'Might not diplomats who disagree behave differently, if instead of coming together being accountable to their governments' policies, they came together believing they were accountable to God?' Driven by faith to explore this theory, Canon Andrew White has fostered the most promising politico-spiritual reconciliation process in the Middle East. In so doing, he has led Iraqi Clerics to an awakening to their own accountability toward their parishioners. Diplomats who deny the role of religion in political discourse should stay away from the Middle East. Here religion and politics are inextricably linked. Andrew White's work provides vivid evidence that engaging religious leaders is central to any hope of ultimate success in waging peace in the Middle East." Bud McFarlane, former National Security Advisor to Ronald Reagan "Working in areas of conflict is dangerous and difficult as many journalists, aid workers, diplomats and others know to their cost. Andrew White is an Anglican Priest who has chosen to live and work in Iraq. This is his account of a tragedy which, in the opinion of many, ought to have been avoided." Terry Waite CBE "I have known Andrew White for many years and have great admiration for him as a peacemaker, bringing the love of Jesus Christ to one of the most dangerous places in the world. In the face of personal ill-health and threats to his life, he continues his extraordinary work with determination and unrelenting enthusiasm. Not everyone is called to such a ministry but Andrew acts as if he was born to it." Nicky Gumbel "Andrew White's commitment to working across faiths to secure peace in the Middle East has resulted in this extraordinary book. It charts not just his bravery but that of the people of the Middle East who want a fairer, more secure and more just world. It's a lesson to us all." Valerie Amos

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