Sectarian violence caused tens of thousands of Christians to leave the country in 2011. Christians feel that the government fails to protect them, with individuals being threatened, robbed, raped or kidnapped and churches being bombed. Iraq’s constitution says each individual has freedom of thought, conscience and belief, but there is no article on changing one’s religion and Islamic law forbids conversion of Muslims to other religions. In August, at least four churches were targeted by bomb attacks in Kirkuk. The situation in Kurdistan, for a long time considered a safe haven for Christians, has deteriorated due to Islamic extremism.
Pray:
- For the many Christian refugees who have been displaced from their homes by religious violence
- For wise leadership and government to bring Christians justice and protection from terrorist groups
- For Open Doors workers training trauma counsellors to help children and families affected by persecution.
