Understanding Iraq

Understanding Iraq August 12, 2014

 

Iraqi Christians
Iraqi Christians

Today’s post for Aleteia explains the situation for Christians in Iraq–outlining who the different groups are and explaining a bit of their history.

In 2003. Christians in Iraq numbered about 1,500,000 and represented just over five percent of the population. Their percentage had fallen since 1987 when they were 1.4 million, or eight percent of the population. Since 2003, Christians of all denominations have endured extensive persecution. Their religious leaders have been abducted and murdered; they have endured threats of violence or death if they do not abandon their homes and businesses, and their churches and chapels have been bombed. Viewed as pro-American, after the fall of Saddam Hussein, their troubles have increased with the rise of militant Muslim Jihadists.

Go here to read the whole post


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