The Knights of Columbus want to raise more money for Christians in the Middle East by airing a televised commercial in major markets beginning this weekend, Aug. 1.
The fraternal men’s organization has raised $3 million in humanitarian aid in the past year for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East, according to a statement released this week.
The 30-second commercial, titled Christians at Risk, is also on You Tube, and below:
The Knights intend to announce more details of the program to aid Christian refugees at the organization’s international convention Aug. 4-6 in Philadelphia. Archbishops from Iraq and Syria, where the violence against Christians has been particularly severe, will attend.
(Visit CatholicPhilly.com for continuing coverage of the convention next week.)
[hotblock]
The Knights began its Christian Refugee Relief Fund in August 2014 with $1 million in matching funds that was quickly met and exceeded by its members and the public. The humanitarian assistance provided has included new housing for those who have had to flee their homes, as well as support for medical facilities in areas flooded with Christian and other refugees.
“Christians in the Middle East are facing a dire situation – and even extinction – while the response from the international community has woefully inadequate,” said Knights of Columbus CEO Carl Anderson. “Pope Francis has urged the international community to take action to help Christians in the Middle East, and, as an organization that has long supported victims of religious persecution, the Knights of Columbus is responding by asking our own members, and the public at large, to help us save the lives of people who are being persecuted simply because of their Christian faith.”
Those wishing to assist with the relief efforts can donate by visiting www.christiansatrisk.org or by sending checks or money orders payable to Knights of Columbus Charities at P.O. Box 1966, New Haven, CT 06509-1966. The memo portion should indicate that the check is for Christian Refugee Relief.
One hundred percent of all donations directly support humanitarian assistance and raising awareness for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities, especially in the Middle East. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc., is recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
PREVIOUS: Local Catholic groups benefit as Catholic Foundation grows
NEXT: After seeing the pope in Paraguay, church official comes home
Slaughtered and even crucified by their own people, they are the Martyrs of our times, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heavens. I pray that my little contribution will help relieve some of their suffering.
I will go to the website and make a small contribution. I am on SS and I get my check the middle of the month. I pray often for the Christians in the middle East I ask God to give them the courage and faith in His Mercey.