Photo via middleeast.org.ua

Christian leaders call on the government to protect believers

At the 2nd annual All-Iraqi Christian Leadership Conference, 76 Iraqi Christian leaders called on Baghdad to defend minority rights, reports MNN.

The group issued an eight-point appeal asking for help in keeping the dwindling minority community alive. Christian Solidary International co-sponsored the meeting in hopes of bringing some solution to the growing problems facing the Church.

Christians are being pushed to the brink of extinction. Iraq is 17th on the Open Doors World Watch List of top 50 countries known for persecution of Christians.

Since 2003, nearly half of the Christians have been forced to flee. In May, extremists warned Christians to leave the country immediately or risk violent death.

The tension is palpable. Going into this summit, Zenit news reported a targeted murder of a Christian businessman in Kirkuk.

On June 7, according to the report, 34-year-old Hani Salim Wadi was shot and killed in front of his home. This is just one of many incidents that has caused Christians in Iraq to express fear of renewed violence.

However, at the June 26 meeting, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Kirkuk emphasized the need for an enduring Christian witness in the country.

Although a remnant remains, the Gospel is still moving forward.

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TAGS: Iraq All-Iraqi Christian Leadership Conference Christian Solidary International persecution Open Doors World Watch List

[07/04/2010]

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