Christians still living in Iraq are hunkered down and secretly and privately preparing for Christmas. Those in Mosul are particularly fearful that radical Muslims may choose to make a point at their expense during the Christmas season. Christianity Today has a fine article with a good summary on what Christians have endured during the last several years and Christmases in Iraq. There has been very little protection for Christians in that country.

Recently, The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended to the US State Department that Iraq should be designated as one of its “countries of particular concern” (CPCs), a category reserved for governments that have “engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.” USCIRF Chair Felice Gaer noted to reporters:

“ongoing, severe abuses of religious freedom [in the country] and the Iraqi government’s toleration of these abuses, particularly abuses against Iraq’s smallest, most vulnerable religious minorities. The lack of effective government action to protect these communities from abuses has established Iraq among the most dangerous places on earth for religious minorities.”

Response: This is particularly hard and frustrating for American Christians to understand and accept since the US has over 100,000 troops still in Iraq. However, the American troops rarely interfere in domestic problems leaving the Iraqi government and police to protect the Christian community.

Unfortunately, there are many reports that the Iraqi officials and the police have not responded at all in the majority of incidents against Christians. Some even claim that they are part of the problem.

We really do need to remember to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq during this Christmas Season.       *Top

Related articles by Zemanta

• Religious minorities in Iraq face persecution, panel says
• Mosul voices

>>>Don't Miss an Update!**CLICK NOW**Get ANSWERS For The Faith by email<<<