Photo via middleeast.org.ua

Ministry shares concerns over violence during Iraq's elections

Sunday's elections in Iraq have been heralded by unprecedented bloodshed. Which party win will protect Christians?

Will any party truly protect Christians, or is the question moot? Church leaders feel the violence is clearly linked to the elections and is meant to intimidate Christians, reports MNN.

Greg Mussleman with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says, "They can talk about protecting minorities, including Christians, but the reality is: you've got these militant groups in these areas where they're not listening to what the government is saying, and they have this desire to make it an Islamic country."

Christians have political representation in Parliament. Additionally, there are some Christian candidates also presenting themselves on the secular lists.

However, although the new constitution states that religious freedom should be respected, it states that no proposed legislation can in any way be in violation of the "universally agreed upon tenets of Islam." Extremists have been shielded under this banner in their attacks.

Will the violence leading up to elections cost even more for the followers of Christ? Musselman explains, "You get these continuing attacks--the Shia, the Sunnis--against each other, and Islamist militant groups, and then the Christians get caught in between that. And in some cases, they're targeted. Do you stay and face that kind of danger, or do you try to build a better life somewhere else?"

Bombings of Christian religious institutions have been common throughout the process, particularly in the Mosul area of northern Iraq. With the volatile situation and continuing violence, Christians in Iraq are increasingly fearful of violence directed at them by militant Islamic groups active in Iraq. Thousands have fled to neighboring countries.

Despite the risk, Mussleman says there remains an undaunted remnant church. "They are trying to operate in wisdom, but to share the Gospel is something that is so compelling to them. So if you believe that this is about heaven and hell, and about eternity, you're willing to give your life for it."

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TAGS: Iraq Iraq's elections Voice of the Martyrs Canada anti-Christian violence religious freedom persecution

[03/05/2010]

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