Christians Facing Increasing Violence as Elections Approach

19 January 2005

^{KDP President
Masoud Barzani}

As the January 30 elections in Iraq approach, violence appears to be on the rise. Christians have increasingly been the focus of the attacks from various factions fighting for power in Iraq. A January 17 report by the Assyrian International News Agency detailed violence facing Assyrians in northern Iraq from Kurdish paramilitaries tied to Kurdish warlord Masoud Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). This included attacks during church worship services, beatings of Assyrian Christians and threats of violence. According to the report, the KDP is becoming increasingly bold in their attacks.

^{Arch-bishop Basile Georges Casmoussa}

In recent months, the Persecution and Prayer Alert has reported on various incidents of violence against churches, particularly in the Mosul area of northern Iraq. On January 17, the Assyrian arch-bishop, Basile Georges Casmoussa, was kidnapped in Mosul. Thankfully he was released unharmed less than a day later. While the Vatican officially does not consider this act as "anti-Christian," Christians in Iraq have faced continued threats. It is believed that as many as 60,000 Christians have fled Iraq for Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

Pray for peace in Iraq and the establishment of a government willing to accept the religious freedoms of all people. Pray that the authorities will be able to bring the violence plaguing the country under control.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Iraq, go to click here.

Iraq

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC is partnering to teach and equip persecuted Christian women sewing skills so that they can provide a sustainable source of income for their families and give them the opportunity to be witnesses for Christ through their new businesses. VOMC partners to provide biblical training on discipleship and the theology of persecution to Muslim Background Believers.

Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Equipping the Saints, Underground Church
Country Information
Population
41,266,109 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Arab (75-80), Kurdish (15-20), other (5)

Religion (%)
Islam (95-98), Christianity (1), other (1-4)

Leader
President Latif Rashid (2022)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Iraq
Pray for the protection of the remaining believers in Iraq during this time of upheaval and danger. May many churches and Christian relief organizations seize the opportunity to provide greatly needed assistance and ministry to the numerous suffering people of this war-torn nation. As God’s work of healing, provision and restoration takes place, pray that a stable democratic government will be established.