Nothing like a personal letter signed by the President of the United States. Or, in this case, an official press release issued by the White House Office of the Press Secretary. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, doesn't it?
On December 23 (just in time for Christmas!), President Obama released an official statement on the plight of Christians in the Middle East. The attempt at solidarity fell flat. Maybe the lack of personalization translated poorly (no signature required for a standard press release). More than likely, though, it was the lack of sincerity caused by a message that should have been delivered years ago.
Here is the formal statement issued via press release by President Obama:
Statement by the President on Persecuted Christians at Christmas
During this season of Advent, Christians in the United States and around the world are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. At this time, those of us fortunate enough to live in countries that honor the birthright of all people to practice their faith freely give thanks for that blessing. Michelle and I are also ever-mindful that many of our fellow Christians do not enjoy that right, and hold especially close to our hearts and minds those who have been driven from their ancient homelands by unspeakable violence and persecution.
In some areas of the Middle East where church bells have rung for centuries on Christmas Day, this year they will be silent; this silence bears tragic witness to the brutal atrocities committed against these communities by ISIL.
We join with people around the world in praying for God’s protection for persecuted Christians and those of other faiths, as well as for those brave men and women engaged in our military, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts to alleviate their suffering and restore stability, security, and hope to their nations. As the old Christmas carol reminds us:
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
Thanks, Mr. President.
Featured Image: U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a statement to the news media after receiving a briefing from his national security team in the Oval Office at the White House December 3, 2015 in Washington, DC. Obama talked about Wednesday’s mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 people dead and 17 others injured. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)