How are Christians persecuted in Iraq?
- All Christian churches, both historical and evangelical, face threats of violence, intolerance and discrimination. These largely come from Islamist extremist groups, but also from government agencies.
“When I woke up in the morning, I found another threatening letter outside.”
Yasin
- Those who convert from Islam experience pressure from family and community, risking their rights and safety. “When I woke up in the morning, I found another threatening letter outside: ‘Stop what you’re doing, or we will kill you,’” shares Yasin*, a convert from Islam.
- There have been several reports of Christians having their property seized by influential political, economic and social groups – an issue which the Iraqi government has struggled to resolve for more than two decades.
- Blasphemy laws are sometimes misused to target believers sharing the gospel. While the death penalty is seldom carried out, even an accusation of blasphemy can lead to great danger from mob violence.
- The dangers extremist groups pose foster an ever-increasing desire to flee Iraq which impacts individual families and also weakens local churches by depleting potential leadership.
Why are Christians persecuted in Iraq?
- Islamist extremist groups are highly active in Iraq alongside Iranian-backed Shiite militias. Whole villages have been attacked in Iraqi Kurdistan by Turkish and Iranian military operations, causing many believers to flee the increasingly unstable and unsafe environment.
- Christians who speak out against the government or religious extremists could be targeted, especially in central and southern Iraq.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Iraq?
- Conversion from Islam is considered deeply shameful, and new Christians face constant pressure from family and community to recant their faith.
- In some parts of Iraq, Christian women choose to wear a veil for safety against harassment or public stoning. Some women could even become victim to ‘honour’ killings or sexual abuse if their conversion from Islam to Christianity is known.
- Christian men, if discovered, could lose their jobs or face exploitation in the workplace. As men are usually the key providers for their family, this can make entire households highly vulnerable.
What has changed in Iraq in the past year?
- Iraq has fallen one place on the World Watch List, but persecution in the country actually rose slightly – the change in position is because of worsening persecution in other countries.
- Political representation of Christians is an ongoing challenge, and some Christian groups have called for a withdrawal of militias and special voting rights to help protect religious minorities.
How can I help Christians in Iraq?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Iraq. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
“Now, I believe I am loved.”
Lara, who attended women’s meetings
“Through attending women’s meetings and learning about God’s love and my value, I received encouragement,” shares Lara*. “Now, I believe I am loved and that I am not the problem, but part of the solution.”
Open Doors partners support the church in Iraq through training, Bible and Christian literature distribution, prayer support, crisis aid and socio-economic development.
Almighty God, it can be difficult to know how to pray for our brothers and sisters in Iraq. They continue to live for You in a situation that seems to grow more dire as more and more believers leave; we hear how there is a lack of opportunity, and we see how these ancient communities of believers are dwindling. Please, would You pour out Your Spirit anew in Iraq? Would You raise up people who feel called to remain and flourish? Would You bless those who have stayed? We ask this in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
