Catholic Bishops urge Secretary Rice to increase aid to Iraqi refugees

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio have just returned form a mission to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. They have written a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezz Rice (dated July 26). An e-version of their letter can be read here. They voice their concern about the Iraqi refugees (Mandaeans are a vulnerable part of this population) who are “in dire need of additional support from the United States and the international community.” The bishops highlighted in their letter that the basic needs of the refugees and their families are not being met, including medical care. They say that the children are particularly vulnerable.