The Gospel of Rutba: War, Peace, and the Good Samaritan Story in Iraq

In 2003, three U.S. Christian peacemakers weathered the first horrifying days of Shock and Awe in Baghdad only to be nearly killed in a car accident as they were leaving the country. They were rescued by Iraqi Muslims who took them to a clinic in the already bombed-out town of Rutba, where they received protection and care. In sending the Americans on their way, their hosts had only one request: Go and tell the world of Rutba.

In fulfillment of that pledge, the peacemakers returned to Rutba in 2010 to thank their rescuers and to contribute to an ongoing process of peace, friendship, and reconciliation.

The Good Samaritans and peacemakers of Iraq are torchbearers leading humanity to higher ground.--Archbishop Desmond Tutu